Six Journalists Injured in Attack by Goons, Police During Madaraka Day Celebrations in Homa Bay
The motive behind the assault remains unclear, but media professionals believe it was a targeted attack aimed at intimidating journalists.
Six journalists injured, scores robbed in shocking attack by police and goons during Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium. Photo/The Eastleigh Voice.
By Linda Muhanji
At least six journalists were injured and had their equipment stolen after they were attacked by goons—some reportedly accompanied by police officers—during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.
The journalists, who were from leading media houses including Standard Media Group, Nation Media Group, and Royal Media Services, were covering the national event on Saturday, June 1, when chaos erupted near the press area.
Among those injured were TV producers Steve Okedi (KTN) and Marble Achieng (NTV), along with journalists Ephantus Maina (Royal Media Services) and George Odiwuor (NTV). Odiwuor lost his work laptop during the violent confrontation. Another journalist’s phone was reportedly stolen.
“We had our media accreditation, but they still targeted us,” said Achieng. “They pushed us and started hitting us with batons, and that is how I got injured.”
Witnesses said the attackers appeared to be organized, with some dressed in plain clothes while others were in police uniform.
The motive behind the assault remains unclear, but media professionals believe it was a targeted attack aimed at intimidating journalists.
Rushdie Oudia, Interim Chairman of the Kisumu Journalists Network, condemned the assault, calling it a blatant violation of press freedom and accusing the police of complicity.
“As journalists, we take this incident with great concern and shock, especially with the utter irresponsibility and the daring face of police officers who should be protecting lives and property,” Oudia said in a statement.
The incident not only raised safety concerns for media personnel but also marred what was meant to be a day of national celebration. Several members of the public who had arrived early—some as early as 9:30 PM the previous night—also reported theft and harassment.
In a related development, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that several suspects involved in phone theft during the event had been arrested and 20 stolen phones recovered.
The Kenya Union of Journalists and other media rights groups have since called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged the government to ensure the safety and protection of journalists, particularly during national events.
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