Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has fired a senior Human Resources officer in the Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works. This followed allegations that the officer was involved in the abduction and assault of investigative journalist Habil Onyango.
The dismissal was announced on Monday, September 15, through a statement by the County Chief Officer of Public Communication, Atieno Otieno. The county said the decision is part of standard procedures to allow a thorough and impartial investigation.
Journalist Abduction Details
According to Onyango, he was abducted on Sunday, September 14, by four unknown individuals allegedly linked to the HR officer. The journalist was reportedly targeted over a People Daily story exposing a fraudulent employment scheme involving senior county officials.
Onyango said he was lured to a hotel in Homa Bay, assaulted, intimidated, and forced to inhale bhang. His devices were confiscated, and he was driven around while being humiliated and threatened.
“I was abducted because of a story I wrote about the HR officer, who was involved in a corrupt employment scheme where people are given appointment letters without meeting the required threshold,” Onyango said.
He added that the abductors pressured him to write an apology claiming the HR officer was not involved in the scandal. Onyango eventually escaped and reported the incident to authorities.
County Government Response
The Homa Bay County Government said it is fully cooperating with the National Police Service and other agencies to ensure a full investigation. Otieno stressed that the county condemns any form of violence, intimidation, or criminal activity.
Governor Wanga’s administration reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of office. Any officer found misusing their position will face strict consequences.
This incident highlights concerns about the safety of journalists in Kenya and underscores the need to protect media workers from threats while conducting investigative reporting.
