(NDIMA/IFEX) – A three-man “People Daily” crew narrowly escaped death on 3 August 1999 when over fifty coffee farm workers, administration staff and security guards, armed with daggers, crowbars, whips and assorted farm implements, beat them up while they were on an assignment at the company’s headquarters in the Kiambu District of central Kenya. Photographer […]
(NDIMA/IFEX) – A three-man “People Daily” crew narrowly escaped death on 3
August 1999 when over fifty coffee farm workers, administration staff and
security guards, armed with daggers, crowbars, whips and assorted farm
implements, beat them up while they were on an assignment at the company’s
headquarters in the Kiambu District of central Kenya.
Photographer Peter Waweru sustained serious head injuries after being hit
with a sharp stone. Reporter Benson Wambugu and driver Julius Wanjohi were
mercilessly whipped and kicked by the attackers and suffered multiple body
injuries. Waweru received three stitches at the Nairobi Hospital, while
Wambugu and Wanjohi were treated and discharged.
The trio were caught in the middle of two rival factions – one which had
been mandated by the High Court to assume office and another which had been
voted out following what was described as massive financial mismanagement.
Trouble started shortly after one of the factions, led by Harrisson Gicharu
Ng’ang’a, arrived at the main entrance of the premises, armed with a copy
from the Registrar of Companies confirming that they were the bona fide
officials. A standoff between the administration staff, coffee workers,
security guards and the mandated group ensued. After a brief exchange of
words, a fierce battle broke up, forcing members of the mandated group to
flee. Trouble for the “People Daily” crew started soon after the group was
chased away.
The crew recorded statements at Kiambu Police Station and police arrested a
number of the attackers shortly thereafter. Police said they would be
charged with assault.
