Media Council demands legal action over assault of journalist in Homa Bay

Media Council Demands Legal Action After Journalist is Assaulted in Homa Bay
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a strong statement condemning the recent assault of a journalist in Homa Bay County and is demanding immediate legal action against the perpetrators. The incident, which involved a reporter from a local media outlet being physically attacked while covering a public event, has raised fresh concerns about the safety of journalists and the freedom of the press in the region.
According to a press statement released by the MCK, the journalist was assaulted by individuals believed to be public officials, preventing them from carrying out their professional duties. The Council detailed that the attack was a blatant violation of the journalist’s rights and an affront to media freedom guaranteed under the Kenyan Constitution. We condemn this act of impunity in the strongest terms possible. An attack on a journalist is an attack on the public’s right to information, stated the MCK Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo.
The Council has called on the National Police Service and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to swiftly investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Furthermore, the MCK has urged state and non-state actors to respect the role of the media and create a safe environment for journalists to operate without fear of intimidation or violence.
This assault occurs amidst a backdrop of rising concerns over the safety of media practitioners in various parts of the country. The MCK’s firm stance serves as a critical reminder of the need to uphold constitutional protections for the press. As the demand for accountability grows, the response from law enforcement will be closely watched, serving as a test case for the government’s commitment to protecting journalistic freedom and ending impunity for crimes against the media.