NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has condemned the assault of Kisumu-based Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro while covering a political rally in Homa Bay, calling for thorough investigations, accountability and prosecution of those found responsible.
In a statement, the Guild described the incident as an attack not only on the journalists but also on media freedom, the public’s right to information and Kenya’s democratic process.
“An attack on a journalist is not merely an attack on an individual. It is an attack on the public’s right to know, the freedom of the media and the democratic process itself,” KEG said.
According to reports cited by the Guild, Ooko and Ongoro were attacked by a group of armed youths while covering tense political activities in Homa Bay.
KEG said the two journalists escaped further harm after a boda boda rider intervened and came to their rescue.
“It is particularly disturbing that the journalists reportedly escaped further harm only after a boda rider intervened and came to their rescue. These are not scenes that belong in a constitutional democracy. They are acts of intimidation intended to instil fear and silence journalists performing a legitimate public duty,” the Guild said.
KEG invokes constitutional protection
The Guild cited Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom and independence of the media, and stressed that journalists have a constitutional right to perform their duties without intimidation, harassment or violence.
“Journalists have a constitutional right to carry out their work without intimidation, harassment or violence,” KEG said.
The Guild warned that repeated attacks against journalists could create a culture of impunity, particularly as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
“The safety of journalists and the protection of media freedom must therefore be treated as an urgent national priority,” it said.
KEG argued that allowing attacks against journalists to go unpunished could embolden perpetrators and undermine efforts to hold credible elections.
Police urged to investigate
The Guild called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately institute what it described as thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the incident.
The investigation, it said, should establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, identify everyone involved and ensure that those found culpable are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“We therefore call upon Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, for the umpteenth time, to immediately institute thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the Homa Bay attack,” KEG said.
The Guild also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to exercise its oversight mandate and ensure that the investigation and any subsequent prosecution are handled with the seriousness demanded by the incident.
It further demanded the recovery and return of the journalists’ stolen equipment and identification documents, as well as appropriate redress for the losses and injuries suffered.
Warning to political leaders
KEG urged political leaders, candidates, rally organisers and other stakeholders to take responsibility for creating an environment where journalists can safely cover political activities.
“Political leaders, candidates, organisers of public rallies and all other stakeholders must equally take responsibility for creating an environment in which journalists can work safely. Political mobilisation must never become a licence for violence against the media,” the Guild said.
The Guild warned that Kenya could not credibly claim to be preparing for free, fair and democratic elections if journalists were beaten, robbed or threatened while documenting events in the public interest.
“The test of our democracy is not only whether citizens are allowed to vote. It is also whether journalists can report freely, independently and safely before, during and after an election,” KEG said.
The Guild reaffirmed its solidarity with Ooko, Ongoro and other journalists working in difficult environments, saying it would continue to defend media freedom, demand accountability for attacks against journalists and oppose attempts to intimidate the media into silence.
