The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned the abduction and assault of journalist Habil Onyango in Homa Bay, calling for swift investigations and prosecution of those responsible.
Onyango, an accredited journalist with the council, was attacked on September 14 after reportedly being lured to a hotel by a senior Human Resource Officer at the Homa Bay County Government. He was allegedly ambushed by thugs, forced to inhale bhang, beaten, and left with facial injuries. His devices were confiscated, data deleted, and a fake apology posted online in his name.
“This heinous act is not only an assault on an individual but a grave threat to press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the rule of law in Kenya,” MCK said in a statement on Monday.
Onyango later escaped during the ordeal and reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station (OB 25/14/25). A doctor at Homa Bay County Hospital confirmed he sustained soft tissue injuries.
The attack is believed to be linked to Onyango’s recent exposé on westerninsight.co.ke, which revealed fraudulent job schemes in Homa Bay County. “Such thuggery in retaliation undermines truth and public accountability,” MCK noted, urging aggrieved parties to file complaints with the Media Complaints Commission instead of resorting to violence.
The council called for investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It also urged the National Police Service to recover Onyango’s confiscated devices.
Kenya has witnessed a worrying trend of journalists harassment in recent years, with media workers facing threats, intimidation, and attacks linked to their reporting on corruption and governance scandals. Press freedom advocates warn that such incidents undermine democracy and discourage investigative reporting.
“MCK condemns this act and calls on Kenyans, civil society, and global partners to denounce it. No voice will be silenced, and the truth will always prevail,” the statement added.
