NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has apologised to journalists injured while covering political activities in Homa Bay, calling for closer coordination between security agencies and media organisations to protect reporters during rallies and other public gatherings.
Murkomen said he was particularly concerned by the injuries suffered by journalists covering political events in Homa Bay, stressing that reporters cannot simply be asked to stay away from rallies because their work requires them to document events as they unfold.
“I want to apologise to the media in instances where the police were unable to protect you during some of these rallies and political instances. I was very saddened by the journalists who were injured in Homa Bay. That was really very sad,” Murkomen said.
He added that journalists must be allowed to carry out their work even when political gatherings become tense.
“You cannot tell journalists not to cover. You can’t even tell them to go home, because they have to cover every incident, even when the people are going home.”
Security agencies urged to protect journalists
Murkomen called on the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General and other security officials to coordinate more closely with media houses when planning security deployments at political events.
He said the position and movement of journalists should be considered when officers are deployed to rallies and other politically sensitive gatherings.
“The DIG, the IG and the team must work closely with the media houses to see how best we can protect journalists,” he said.
The Interior CS also urged journalists to exercise responsibility when reporting statements made by political leaders and government officials, particularly by ensuring that remarks are presented in their wider context.
He cautioned against using short clips of speeches in ways that could alter the meaning of the original remarks.
Two journalists injured in Homa Bay
The journalists were allegedly attacked by a group of men armed with crude weapons as tensions rose during the political gathering.
Reports indicated that the attackers took the journalists’ press cards, driving licences, cameras and other personal belongings.
The journalists were also reportedly dragged along the road and beaten with clubs before a boda boda rider intervened and helped them.
The two subsequently reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station.
The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of journalists covering increasingly tense political events ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Remarks made during election peace initiative
Murkomen spoke during the launch of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission’s roadmap towards a violence-free 2027 General Election, dubbed “Uchaguzi Bila Noma.”
The initiative comes as political activity intensifies across the country, with rival political groups holding rallies and public engagements ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Interior Ministry’s call for stronger cooperation between security agencies and media organisations is aimed at ensuring journalists can report on political events without being exposed to unnecessary risks.
