Kenya Editors Guild condemns attack on AFP journalists in Homa Bay
The Kenya Editors Guild has strongly condemned the assault of two Agence France-Presse AFP journalists, Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro, who were attacked while covering a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay Town. The journalists were reportedly dragged, beaten with clubs, and robbed of their cameras, press cards, and driving licenses by armed youths. They were rescued by a boda boda rider. The Guild described the incident as deliberate intimidation aimed at silencing journalists and an assault on the public's right to information and the democratic process, citing Article 34 of the Constitution which guarantees media freedom. The Guild called on Inspector General Douglas Kanja to launch immediate, thorough, and transparent investigations, identify those responsible, and ensure prosecution. They also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority IPOA to oversee the investigation. The timing of the assault is particularly concerning as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, making the protection of journalists an urgent national priority. The Guild warned that unpunished attacks on journalists foster a culture of impunity, which is incompatible with free, fair, and credible elections.
