Media personality Fridah Mwaka narrowly escaped injury during Thursday’s anti-government protests in Nairobi after a teargas canister struck her car.
The journalist was recording the unfolding chaos from inside her vehicle when the canister hit her windscreen with force. In a video she shared online, Mwaka can be seen filming the crowd of protestors and police from her car when the canister suddenly crashes into the glass.
“Mandamano happened! Grateful for life,” she later wrote on social media, expressing relief after the close encounter.
Just outside the vehicle, a cameraman who was working alongside her also had a narrow escape. He managed to duck at the last moment, avoiding what could have been a serious head injury.
The incident occurred as demonstrators clashed with police in the city center. Officers fired teargas and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowd protesting against the rising cost of living and recent tax proposals.
Fridah Mwaka, known for her work on national television, had been covering the protests independently when the incident occurred. Despite the frightening moment, she was not injured, and she continued to document the protest’s developments.
The protests, part of a series of demonstrations that have taken place in recent weeks, were marked by heavy police presence and sporadic confrontations. Several journalists and media personnel reported being caught in the crossfire, raising concerns about the safety of press workers during public demonstrations.
Local press freedom organizations have since called on authorities to ensure the protection of journalists while covering public events, emphasizing their role in keeping citizens informed.
Mwaka’s experience serves as a reminder of the real risks journalists face in the line of duty.
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