{
  "id": 1319737,
  "title": "KEG condemns assault of AFP journalists in Homa Bay",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/keg-condemns-assault-of-afp-journalists-in-homa-bay",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T13:15:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/keg-condemns-assault-of-afp-journalists-in-homa-bay/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has strongly condemned the alleged assault of two Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists, Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro, while they were covering a rally in Homa Bay. The attackers, reportedly a group of armed youths, dragged the journalists, beat them with clubs, and stole their press cards, driver's licences, cameras and other belongings. KEG described the incident as an attack on the public's right to know, freedom of the media and the democratic process itself.\n\nThe Guild emphasized that journalists have a constitutional right to carry out their duties without fear, harassment or violence, citing Article 34 of the Constitution. They called for immediate thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the assault, led by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. KEG urged the police to identify all those involved and ensure that they face arrest and prosecution in line with the law.\n\nKEG also demanded the recovery and return of the journalists' stolen equipment and identification documents, along with appropriate compensation for the losses and injuries suffered. They urged political leaders, candidates, rally organisers and other stakeholders to take responsibility for creating a safe environment for journalists to work. The Guild warned that repeated attacks on journalists could create a climate of impunity, which is incompatible with free, fair, credible and transparent elections.\n\nKEG called on the Inspector General of Police to prioritize protection of media freedom as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, less than a year away. They urged political leaders, candidates, rally organisers and other stakeholders to promote an environment where journalists can work safely, as Kenya cannot claim to have free and fair elections if journalists are beaten, robbed or threatened while performing their duties.",
  "summary": "Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has condemned the alleged assault of Kisumu-based Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro while covering a rally in Homa Bay, calling for thorough investigations and prosecution. In a statement, KEG described the incident as an attack on the public’s right to know, the freedom of the media and […] The post KEG condemns assault of AFP journalists…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}