Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko has moved to condemn the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) for linking him to the violence against Governor Kidero in Dandora on Wednesday.
During the incident, three mediamax journalists in Kidero’s convoy were injured after the vehicle they were traveling in was pelted with stones by rowdy youth.
Condemning the incident, KUJ linked the violence to Mike Sonko, allegations the senator claims are meant to tarnish his name.
Read his full statement below:
“It is with deep shock that the Kenya Union of Journalists has today without verifying facts linked me to the violence that erupted during a political meeting convened by Dr. Evans Kidero in Dandora estate.
I wish to first condemn such acts of hooliganism and violence against innocent journalists who were on assignment. I wish them quick recovery.
However, I wish to challenge KUJ for failing to carry out serious investigations on who might have invited the youths against the journalists.
Rushing to mention me without any meaningful investigations is only meant to tarnish my good name and to portray me as a violent leader.
It is very unfortunate that my name is being dragged into this silly incident yet by the time this was happening I was with H.E the president in Kitui, Embu, Runyenjes, Siakago and Kirinyaga for the voter’s registration exercise.
KUJ must stop issuing such fabricated, malicious and baseless allegations and attempting to link me with the Dandora incident is truly unfortunate.
KUJ must face reality, uphold professional ethics and carry out investigations into this matter rather than rushing to condemn me as having incited the youths.
I know KUJ is seeking relevance using this incident by dragging my name into it rather than fighting for the rights of journalists.
I urge the Kenya Police Service to move with speed and investigate this matter to its logical conclusion and culprits brought to book.”
MIKE MBUVI SONKO
SENATOR NAIROBI.
