Source: Network for the Defence of Independent Media in Africa (NDIMA), Nairobi On 1 February, two armed men burst into the office of the “Finance Magazine”, owned by Githunguri Member of Parliament Njehu Gatabaki, doused it in petrol and set it ablaze. The reception area, a fax machine, a typewriter and some office furniture were […]
Source: Network for the Defence of Independent Media in Africa
(NDIMA), Nairobi
On 1 February, two armed men burst into the office of the
“Finance Magazine”, owned by Githunguri Member of Parliament
Njehu Gatabaki, doused it in petrol and set it ablaze. The
reception area, a fax machine, a typewriter and some office
furniture were completely destroyed. The MP was not in his office
at the time, but his secretary, Ms. Ruth Gathiga, said: “One of
them (the men) came near my desk and without saying anything, he
started pouring petrol on it as the other one stood on guard at
the door with a pistol in his hand.” The man produced a matchbox,
lit a stick and set the entire office alight. After a struggle,
Ms. Gathiga managed to escape the fire but the man guarding the
door hit her with the butt of his pistol, breaking one of her
teeth. So far, no one has claimed responsibility. Mr. Gatabaki
believes the government may be responsible. The attack will be a
major setback to the “Finance Magazine”, which resumed
publication in October 1994 after disappearing for sometime due
to harassment by Kenyan authorities.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Kenyan authorities:
incident
Appeals To
His Excellency President Daniel Arap Moi
Office of the President
P.O. Box 30510
Nairobi, Kenya
Fax: +254 2 337340 via Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Copies to:
NDIMA
P.O. Box 70147
Nairobi, Kenya
Fax: +254 154 41403
