The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has condemned a violent assault on two Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists covering a political rally in Homa Bay Town.
Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro, Kisumu-based reporters, were attacked by armed youths while reporting on the Linda Mwananchi rally. The assailants dragged the journalists along the street, beat them with clubs, and stole their cameras, press credentials, driving licences, and other belongings.
The journalists escaped further harm thanks to the intervention of a boda boda rider who came to their aid.
Guild Demands Immediate Police Action
KEG called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to promptly investigate the incident. In a statement, the Guild described the attack as a deliberate attempt to intimidate journalists performing their public duty and emphasized that such acts undermine media freedom guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution.
The Guild further urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure the investigation is thorough and transparent, holding perpetrators accountable through prosecution.
Concerns Ahead of 2027 General Election
The timing of the assault is particularly alarming as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. The Guild highlighted warnings from the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) about the deteriorating media freedom environment and called for urgent measures to protect journalists.
KEG warned that persistent attacks on media personnel without consequences foster a culture of impunity incompatible with free, fair, and credible elections.
