Amnesty Kenya condemns attack on AFP journalists in Homa Bay

By Newsflash Writer

Amnesty International Kenya has condemned the attack and assault of two Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists during a rally by the Linda Mwananchi faction in Homa Bay town, Nyanza region, on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

AFP journalists Fred Ooko and his colleague Brian Ongoro were attacked by goons armed with crude weapons while covering the situation during the political gathering.

The two journalists were among media professionals reporting on developments surrounding the Linda Mwananchi political faction rally as tensions and disruptions were reported in parts of Homa Bay town.

Ooko and Ongoro are journalists working for AFP, an international news agency that covers major political, social and security developments in Kenya and other parts of the world. Their assignment in Homa Bay involved reporting from the ground as political activities unfolded in the town.

Journalists attacked while covering rally

During the attack, the assailants reportedly seized the journalists’ press cards, driving licences, cameras and other personal belongings.

The two journalists were allegedly dragged along the road and beaten with clubs before a boda boda rider intervened and helped them.

Following the attack, Ooko and Ongoro reported the matter at Homa Bay Police Station.

The incident occurred as Homa Bay town was largely brought to a standstill, with armed groups reportedly blocking several roads leading into the town.

In a statement issued in Nairobi on Sunday, August 16, Amnesty International Kenya strongly condemned reported attacks on journalists, disruption of media broadcasts, destruction of property, unlawful road blockades and acts of violence and intimidation associated with political activities in Homa Bay.

The rights organisation said it was deeply alarmed by reports that hired mobs had targeted accommodation facilities suspected to be hosting Linda Mwananchi leaders or their supporters for destruction and vandalism. It also raised concern over allegations that police and other security agencies failed to take timely and effective action to prevent the violence and protect affected persons.

Amnesty demands investigations

Said the organisation: “These incidents represent a serious threat to the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya.”

The human-rights body called on the National Police Service and authorities to immediately restore security and ensure the safety of journalists, human rights defenders, political actors, businesses and residents of Homa Bay.

It further demanded prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into reported incidents, including attacks on journalists, destruction of property, disruption of media broadcasts and acts of intimidation.

The organisation urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, National Police Service and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute individuals, including political leaders, alleged to have incited violence, hate or attacks against political opponents, journalists or members of the public.

With Kenya approaching the 2027 General Elections, Amnesty Kenya said authorities must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms, safeguarding media independence and ensuring equal protection under the law.