Orengo condemns attack on journalists, theft of equipment during Linda Mwananchi Homa Bay tour

Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly condemned the violent attack on journalists covering the Linda Mwananchi tour in Homa Bay County. He described the incident as cowardly and targeted, stating that journalists from Royal Media Services, the Standard Group's KTN, K24 of Mediamax Network Limited, and others were assaulted while performing their constitutional duty.

The attack occurred on Sunday, August 16, as political tensions escalated in Homa Bay ahead of and during the rally. Two K24 journalists were assaulted using crude weapons, and their equipment, including press cards and cameras, was stolen. AFP journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro were also attacked while traveling to cover the rally.

The violence extended beyond individual journalists; a Mediamax Network Limited vehicle was burnt, and another Royal Media Services vehicle was vandalized. The unrest involved groups of youths blocking roads, disrupting businesses, and causing widespread disruption in Homa Bay. Civil society organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, have condemned the violence, emphasizing that it threatened fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, media freedom, and peaceful assembly.

They called for swift, independent investigations and urged authorities to ensure the safety of journalists, political figures, and the community.