Kenya journalists demand action after Homa Bay attacks

HOMA BAY, KENYA — Kenyan journalists and media organizations are demanding investigations and accountability after reporters covering political activity in Homa Bay County were assaulted, robbed of equipment and caught up in violence on August 16.

Agence France-Presse journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro were attacked while traveling from Kisumu to Homa Bay to cover a Linda Mwananchi political rally. Nation reported that the journalists were intercepted during unrest surrounding the event, while the Kenya Editors Guild said they were assaulted by armed youths and robbed of cameras, press identification and other belongings.

Editors demand investigation and accountability

The Kenya Editors Guild condemned the attack as an assault not only on the journalists but also on media freedom and the public’s right to information. It called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be prosecuted.

Concern widened on August 17, when the Kisumu Journalists Network said several journalists had been assaulted during the Homa Bay violence, with equipment stolen and media vehicles damaged. Network chairperson Rushdie Oudia called for investigators to pursue not only those who carried out the attacks but also anyone found to have organized, financed, facilitated or incited the violence.

Media crews caught in wider political violence

The attacks took place amid serious unrest surrounding the Linda Mwananchi political activities in Homa Bay. Roads were barricaded, vehicles were damaged, and groups of youths armed with crude weapons were reported in parts of the county. Journalists from several Kenyan media organizations were among those caught in the violence.

Reports said media workers from Royal Media Services, KTN and K24 were also targeted. A Mediamax Network vehicle was burned, and a Royal Media Services vehicle was vandalized during the unrest, according to subsequent reporting.

Amnesty International Kenya condemned the attacks on journalists, disruption of media broadcasts, destruction of property, road blockades and other violence associated with the political activities. It called for prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations and said anyone responsible, whether private individuals, political actors or public officials, should be held accountable under the law.

Press safety concerns ahead of elections

The Homa Bay attacks have added to concerns about the safety of journalists covering politically sensitive events as Kenya moves toward its 2027 general election. The Kenya Media Sector Working Group has previously warned about threats to media freedom and called for accountability when journalists are attacked.

The Media Council of Kenya’s State of Media Freedom in Kenya 2026 report documented a broader pattern of violations associated with political events and state functions. The report noted that journalists covering the June 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay County were injured and had equipment destroyed or stolen.

The latest violence therefore raises concerns beyond the immediate injuries and property losses. Journalists covering rallies, protests and political confrontations provide information that allows the public to assess political actors and events independently. Violence that prevents reporters from reaching events, recording what happens, or safely transmitting their work can restrict that flow of information.

The Homa Bay attacks underscore the physical risks journalists can face while covering politically charged events in Kenya. With the country approaching the 2027 general election, effective investigations and accountability will be important to prevent violence and intimidation from restricting independent coverage of political campaigns and public gatherings.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on reporting by Nation Africa on August 17, 2026, and public statements and reporting involving the Kenya Editors Guild, Kisumu Journalists Network and Amnesty International Kenya on August 16-17, 2026.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.