Homa Bay County interdicts officer over alleged assault of journalist

Homa Bay County Interdicts Officer Over Alleged Assault of Journalist
The Homa Bay County Government has interdicted an administrative officer pending investigations into the alleged assault of a journalist earlier this month. The decisive action follows mounting pressure from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and civil society groups, who had demanded accountability for the attack which occurred as the journalist covered a public event in Ndhiwa Sub-County.
The officer, attached to the office of the Deputy County Commissioner, is accused of physically assaulting the journalist and damaging his equipment, thereby obstructing his professional duties. In a statement, County Commissioner Moses Lilan confirmed the interdiction, noting that the officer has been removed from active duty to allow for a thorough and impartial investigation by relevant authorities. We do not condone any form of misconduct or violation of the law, particularly against members of the press, Lilan stated.
The Media Council of Kenya welcomed the move but reiterated its call for swift legal action. MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo emphasized that assaults on journalists undermine media freedom and the public’s right to information. We expect the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to take up this matter conclusively to deter future violations, he said.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from media associations and human rights organizations, who view the interdiction as a positive yet initial step toward justice. As investigations proceed, the case is being closely monitored as a benchmark for how attacks on press freedom are addressed at the county level. The outcome is expected to influence the safety and operating environment for journalists not only in Homa Bay but across the Lake Region economic bloc.