Homa Bay violence sparks outrage as Amnesty, Editors Guild demand accountability

Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya Editors Guild have condemned violence reported in Homa Bay during political activities, raising concerns over attacks on journalists, disruption of media operations and the response of security agencies.

The latest incidents occurred amid heightened political activity surrounding the Linda Mwananchi movement, with reports of attacks targeting political actors, residents and members of the media.

Amnesty International Kenya said the violence included attacks on journalists, disruption of media broadcasts, destruction of property and unlawful road blockades. The rights organisation also questioned whether police and other security agencies acted swiftly enough to prevent the violence and protect those affected.

Amnesty Kenya Executive Director George Morara also raised concerns over reports that groups allegedly targeted accommodation facilities believed to be hosting Linda Mwananchi leaders or their supporters, with property reportedly destroyed and vandalised.

The organisation said the incidents posed a serious threat to constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression, media freedom, access to information, freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and political participation.

Amnesty maintained that the State has a constitutional and legal obligation to protect all people and ensure that citizens can exercise their rights without fear of violence, intimidation or reprisal.

It warned that failure by authorities to prevent or effectively respond to foreseeable violence could undermine public confidence in the rule of law and weaken democratic institutions.

Editors Guild condemns attack on journalists

The Kenya Editors Guild has separately condemned the reported assault of Kisumu-based Agence France-Presse journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro while they were covering the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay Town.

According to the Guild, the journalists were attacked by a group of armed youths, allegedly dragged along the road, beaten with clubs and robbed of their press cards, driving licences, cameras and other personal belongings. The journalists reportedly escaped further harm after a boda boda rider intervened.

The Guild described the incident as an attack on media freedom and the public's right to access information.

“These are not scenes that belong in a constitutional democracy,” the Guild said, arguing that such attacks are intended to intimidate journalists and prevent them from carrying out their legitimate public duty.

The Guild invoked Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom and independence of the media, and warned that journalists must be allowed to work without intimidation, harassment or violence.

“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,” the Guild said.

Calls for investigations

The Kenya Editors Guild called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately initiate thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the Homa Bay attack.

It wants investigators to establish what happened, identify all those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Guild also called on 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 required.

The Guild further demanded the recovery and return of the journalists' stolen equipment and identification documents, as well as appropriate redress for the injuries and losses suffered.

It said political leaders, candidates, rally organisers and other stakeholders have a responsibility to create an environment where journalists can work safely.

“Political mobilisation must never become a licence for violence against the media,” the Guild said.

Amnesty demands accountability

Amnesty International Kenya has similarly called for prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into the Homa Bay incidents.

The organisation wants investigations to cover attacks on journalists, destruction of property, disruption of media broadcasts, intimidation and restrictions on freedom of movement. It said anyone found responsible — including private individuals, political actors or public officials — should be held accountable under the law.

Amnesty also called for an independent review of the conduct and response of security agencies to establish whether there were failures to prevent violence, protect affected people or uphold constitutional rights.

It urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, National Police Service and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute individuals accused of inciting violence, hate or attacks against political opponents, journalists or members of the public.

Warning ahead of 2027 elections

The Kenya Editors Guild said the timing of the Homa Bay incident was particularly worrying as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election.

The Guild recalled that the Kenya Media Sector Working Group had warned in June about a deteriorating media freedom environment ahead of the elections and called for accountability over attacks against journalists.

The Guild warned that allowing attacks against journalists to go unpunished could create a climate of impunity, embolden perpetrators and undermine the prospects for free, fair, credible and transparent elections.

Amnesty also warned that authorities must demonstrate a firm commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms and media independence ahead of the elections.

The Editors Guild said the true test of Kenya's democracy is not only whether citizens can vote, but also whether journalists can report freely, independently and safely before, during and after an election.

The Guild said it would continue to stand with Ooko, Ongoro and other journalists working under difficult circumstances while demanding accountability for attacks against the media.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.