The Media Council of Kenya has condemned the assault of a journalist in Homa Bay, describing the attack as a direct threat to press freedom and democratic accountability.
Habil Onyango, a local reporter, was ambushed on 14 September after being lured to a hotel in Homa Bay. According to reports filed at Homa Bay Police Station, he was abducted by unidentified assailants, forced to inhale bhang, and beaten. He suffered facial injuries before managing to escape with the help of a passing motorcycle taxi rider.
Onyango later received treatment at Homa Bay County Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained soft tissue injuries. His attackers also confiscated his devices, deleted data, and allegedly posted a false online apology under his name in an attempt to discredit him.
The Media Council said the assault was linked to Onyango’s reporting on alleged fake job scams that have been defrauding residents. “This incident involves serious crimes — assault, abduction, and interference with property — that demand urgent action beyond a routine entry,” the council said in a statement.
David Omwoyo, the council’s chief executive, reminded authorities that Article 34 of Kenya’s Constitution, as well as international human rights law, guarantees media freedom. “Retaliation against journalists undermines truth and accountability,” he said, urging those aggrieved by reporting to seek redress through the Media Complaints Commission rather than violence.
The council called for immediate investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It also urged police to recover Onyango’s devices and guarantee his safety.
“We stand unwavering in our defence of media freedom and journalists’ safety. No voice will be silenced and the truth will always prevail,” the statement concluded.
The case has added to growing concerns about threats facing journalists in Kenya, where attacks on reporters have raised alarms over shrinking democratic space.
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