The 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay took a dark turn as violence broke out at Raila Odinga Stadium, leaving journalists injured and scores of attendees robbed.
At least four journalists were hurt after being assaulted by police officers while covering the event. Media professionals from KTN, NTV, and Royal Media Services suffered injuries to their legs. Among them were Steve Okedi, Marble Achieng, and Ephantus Maina, who said police ignored their media badges and beat them with batons.
NTV’s George Odiwuor lost valuable equipment, including his laptop, to gangs who took advantage of the chaotic scene. Another reporter had their phone snatched during the confusion.
The attacks were not limited to journalists. Many people who had come to enjoy the national celebration lost their belongings to criminal groups that had infiltrated the crowd. According to reports, some of the goons had traveled from as far as Kisumu.
Monica Aloo, a local resident, described how her handbag was taken by force as she tried to enter the venue. She said gangs moved in groups, stealing from innocent people as police looked on without acting.
Rushdie Oudia, interim chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network, condemned the violence and called it a threat to press freedom. He blamed police officers for their irresponsible behavior and failure to protect both citizens and the media.
Before the celebrations, hundreds of people had been transported to Homa Bay by politicians in buses. With no place to sleep, many camped outside the stadium gates. Despite earlier plans to open the gates at 3 a.m., security was forced to let the crowd in by 7 p.m. the night before.
Police later diverted traffic and closed several roads around the stadium to manage the situation. Meanwhile, security concerns continue to rise as more details about the attacks and robberies emerge.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
Link
https://x.com/StandardKenya/status/1929062969435906259?t=a0unbBLzla6ak2aKsE7OPA&s=19
