By KPC Reporter
The Homa Bay County Government has interdicted one of its officers over the alleged abduction and assault of journalist Habil Onyango, even as the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) demanded swift legal action against the perpetrators.
Onyango, a journalist accredited by MCK, went missing for several hours, sparking outrage and panic before his alleged captors released him.
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According to MCK, he was lured to a hotel in Homa Bay, ambushed by thugs, forced to inhale bhang, assaulted, and driven around before being released.
His devices were confiscated, and data deleted.
A fake apology was also posted online to discredit him.
In a statement on Monday, the Homa Bay County Government announced the interdiction of Ms. Beatrice Mercy Akuogo, a Human Resources Officer in the Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works, effective immediately.
“This decision follows grave accusations that Ms. Akuogo is facing allegations of involvement in the abduction, assault, and intimidation of a journalist,” the county said.
Atieno Otieno, the Chief Officer of Public Communication and Government Spokesperson, explained that the interdiction was procedural to enable “a thorough, impartial, and unimpeded investigation.”
“The County Government is fully cooperating with the National Police Service and other relevant investigative agencies to ensure a comprehensive probe is conducted,” Otieno stated.
The county further assured the public of its zero-tolerance policy against violence targeting journalists.
“The Homa Bay County Government wishes to make it unequivocally clear that it condemns in the strongest terms possible any form of violence, intimidation, or criminal activity, especially that which targets members of the press,” Otieno said
“Any officer who misuses their position to perpetrate wrongdoing will face stern consequences.”
Meanwhile, the MCK condemned the attack, calling it “a grave threat to press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the rule of law in Kenya.”
“The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is appalled by the brutal assault, abduction, and intimidation of journalist Habil Onyango in Homa Bay on 14 April 2025,” read part of the council’s statement.
MCK noted that Onyango’s exposé on a fraudulent employment scandal in the county may have triggered the attack.
The Council warned that retaliation against journalists undermines accountability.
“Such thuggery in retaliation undermines truth and public accountability. Aggrieved parties should approach the Media Complaints Commission, not resort to violence,” the statement emphasized.
The council demanded “swift, transparent investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Independent Policing Oversight Authority, and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” insisting that perpetrators “must face arrest and prosecution.”
MCK also called on the National Police Service to recover Onyango’s devices and guarantee his safety.
“We stand unwavering in our defence of media freedom and journalists’ safety: no voice will be silenced, and the truth will always prevail,” MCK said.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
