A Homa Bay County employee has been arraigned in court for allegedly assaulting a journalist while he was on duty, sparking outrage among media professionals in the region.
The accused, Beatrice Mercy Akugo, who has since been interdicted from her county duties, was charged with assault and causing actual bodily harm. The incident occurred on September 14, 2025, at Lake Front in Homa Bay Sub-County, where she, together with unidentified accomplices, is said to have attacked journalist Habil Onyang’o Oloo.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution detailed that the victim sustained injuries in the assault, which took place as he carried out his reporting duties. Prosecutors highlighted the seriousness of the case, noting that the attack undermines press freedom and raises concerns about the safety of journalists in the line of duty. Investigations are ongoing as police pursue other suspects linked to the incident.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Jacinta Orwa, Akugo denied the charges. She was granted release on a KSh 30,000 bond with a surety of a similar amount or, alternatively, a cash bail of KSh 20,000. The case is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on September 30, 2025.
Defense lawyer Agure Odero urged the court to disregard public speculation surrounding the matter, insisting that the case before the court strictly concerns the assault charges.
The incident has sparked concern among media practitioners in Homa Bay and beyond, who say journalists continue to face growing threats, intimidation, and violence while performing their duties. Several journalists in the region have expressed fears over their safety, pointing out that unchecked hostility toward the press risks silencing critical voices and undermining accountability in governance.
Civil society groups and press freedom advocates are also closely monitoring the case, calling for justice and urging authorities to ensure journalists are protected from harassment and attacks. They argue that the assault case sends a worrying message about the shrinking space for independent journalism in counties.
As the case proceeds, attention is shifting to how the courts will handle the matter, with stakeholders emphasizing that a firm stance against attacks on journalists is vital to safeguarding media independence and strengthening democratic values.
