Hassan Mugambi: Why I was forced to clobber colleagues

Citizen TV journalist Hassan Mugambi has explained why he was forced to clobber his colleagues during a press conference by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on the Dusit Hotel terror attack on Wednesday morning.

Mugambi told eDaily, Citizen TV’s online entertainment platform, that he was annoyed after the journalist forced a human shield that blocked them from getting a decent shot of the CS despite and earlier agreement that would block the frontal space of the venue, where Matiang’i made his address.

“I was live on Citizen TV when the selfish and quite inconsiderate group decided to form a human ring around the CS’s venue for press conference. Our cameraperson couldn’t get a decent shot of the CS, who was about to address the journalists. Until that incident, we had agreed that no one would block the frontal space of the venue, where the CS made his address. However, the group quickly forgot our agreement, and decided to defy it, with some occupying that space while carrying their smartphones. I was, consequently, angry because our news director was shouting in my ear piece asking for a clear shot. I found myself being aggressive toward the group,” said Hassan Mugambi.

The incident has generated mixed reactions on social media with many backing Mugambi while others condemned him.

“All I can say as a journalist is that I have been in similar situations, where disorder blocks you from getting your story. It’s very frustrating especially because for TV you have no story without footage,” KTN Features Editor Sharon Momanyi said.

“Jesus! Is that journalism or terrorism in disguise…?” posed Godffrey Chacha.

In journalism, reporters always thrive to get the best from the beat and it is especially paramount for photographers and TV reporters.

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However, in some incidents, they can fail to get the best shot thanks to overzealous or even selfish colleagues who block them from doing so as was the case in Mugambi’s case.

As the journalism maxim goes: Get it first but get it right!