The Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) has strongly condemned the violent attacks on journalists who were covering the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County on Sunday, describing the incidents as barbaric, cowardly and a direct assault on press freedom and the public’s constitutional right to access information.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kisumu on Monday, KJN Chairman Rushdie Oudia denounced the attacks and called for immediate action against those responsible for assaulting journalists, stealing media equipment and destroying property.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly and targeted attack on journalists and media crews that were covering the Linda Mwananchi tour in Homa Bay County. We do not only want to condemn but we want to demand action from the authorities and some level of accountability from politicians,” said Oudia.
According to Oudia, what began as a routine news assignment quickly descended into chaos when journalists came under attack from goons allegedly opposed to the rally, forcing media personnel to flee for safety.
He revealed that two Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists, Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro, were assaulted by armed attackers in Homa Bay Town ahead of the rally. During the attack, the journalists lost their press cards, driving licences and cameras, while Ongoro was also robbed of his phone.
Oudia further disclosed that Ken Odiwuor of KBC Mayienga was attacked in Oyugis, while journalists from Standard Media Group, Nation Media Group and Citizen TV also faced violence while covering the event.
“What started as a routine assignment quickly turned dangerous when these committed media practitioners were confronted by goons, forcing them to escape for safety,” he said.
He added that a MediaMax vehicle was burnt to ashes, while crew members sought refuge at a nearby police station. The crew also lost a camera and two LiveU transmission units during the attacks.
KJN described the incidents as a grave attack not only on journalists but also on the public’s right to receive information.
“The media plays a fundamental role in any democratic society, particularly during political and electoral periods. Journalists have a duty to cover political activities impartially, scrutinize those seeking public office, give citizens access to competing views and provide verified information upon which voters can make informed decisions. They must be allowed to perform this role without intimidation, harassment or violence,” he stated.
The network cited Article 35 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every citizen the right to access information held by the State and by other persons where such information is required for the exercise or protection of a fundamental right or freedom.
“This constitutional guarantee cannot be realized where journalists are attacked, threatened or prevented from doing their work,” he added.
KJN also expressed concern over reports that political actors and their supporters allegedly mobilized and paid groups of youths to barricade roads, attack journalists and destroy vehicles and other property.
The journalists’ body called on political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and refrain from mobilizing young people to perpetrate violence against journalists, political opponents and members of the public.
The network further urged the National Police Service and other investigative agencies to expedite investigations, identify and arrest those responsible for the attacks, and ensure they face the full force of the law.
“Investigations must not stop at those who carried out the physical attacks. Those who organized, financed, facilitated or incited the violence must equally be held accountable,” Oudia said.
He emphasized that the safety of journalists should never be treated as an afterthought, noting that attacks on members of the media ultimately undermine the public’s access to information.
“A journalist who is attacked while informing the public is an attack on the public itself,” he said.
KJN pledged solidarity with all journalists who were assaulted, threatened or intimidated while covering the rally and reminded media practitioners to prioritize their safety while executing their duties.
“To fellow journalists, it is evident that we are already in a dangerous period where our safety will be challenged. As we strive to document historic events and expose atrocities meted out against the public, we must remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness and always remember our cardinal rule, no story is worth your life,” Oudia noted.
