Journalists Attacked During Madaraka Day Celebrations in Homa Bay

 

By Munale Joram

Several journalists sustained injuries and lost valuable equipment after being attacked by security officers and opportunistic goons during the Madaraka Day celebrations held in Homa Bay. The chaotic scenes, which unfolded on Saturday, have sparked national outrage and reignited concerns about press freedom and the safety of media personnel in Kenya.

Among those assaulted were journalists from some of the country’s leading media houses, including NTV and Standard Group, who had been accredited to cover the event. Despite clearly displaying their press credentials, they became targets in the melee that erupted as security officers attempted to control the surging crowd.

NTV reporter Marble Achieng was struck with a baton by police officers, sustaining injuries in the process.

“We had our media accreditation, but they still targeted us,” said Achieng. “They pushed us and started hitting us with batons.”

In another incident, George Odiwour, also from NTV, lost his laptop after a group of suspected goons snatched it amidst the confusion. Eyewitnesses claim some of the attackers had travelled from Kisumu and had mingled with the crowd before chaos broke out. The goons reportedly targeted mobile phones, wallets, and other valuables from both journalists and attendees.

Two journalists from the Standard Group were also assaulted during the incident, although their names and conditions were not immediately released.

The incident has drawn strong condemnation from media advocacy groups and journalists' unions, who are now demanding accountability and better protection for reporters, particularly during national events where security deployments are typically heavy.

“This attack is not just an assault on journalists, it’s an assault on press freedom and democracy,” said one representative from the Kenya Union of Journalists.

This is not the first time members of the press have faced hostility while covering national functions. The recurring pattern has raised alarm among observers and has led to calls for the government to put in place stricter guidelines to ensure the safety of media professionals in the line of duty.

June 02, 2025