Journalist Abducted and Tortured in Homa Bay Over Explosive Corruption Story

HOMA BAY, Kenya, Sept 15 – A journalist with The People Daily is recovering from injuries after being abducted and tortured in Homa Bay County following the publication of an exposé on corruption in the county government.

Habil Onyango was attacked on Sunday, September 14, after publishing an investigative report exposing how fake appointment letters were being issued through the County Public Service Board and the County Secretary’s office to facilitate illegal hiring.

According to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Onyango was lured to a Homa Bay hotel, ambushed by thugs, and allegedly assaulted by a senior county human resource officer. He was forced to inhale bhang, abducted, driven around, and subjected to intimidation. His devices were confiscated, data deleted, and a fake apology was posted online in an attempt to discredit him.

A doctor at Homa Bay County Hospital confirmed that Onyango sustained soft tissue injuries, though he declined treatment after managing to escape on a boda boda during a moment of distraction. The incident was reported at Homa Bay Police Station under OB 25/14/25.

The journalist said his attackers demanded he retract the story and clear one of the women mentioned in the investigation.

“They ordered me to make an apology immediately, to write a story saying the lady was not involved,” Onyango said. “But I told them such a story cannot run immediately.”

The Homa Bay County Journalists’ Union condemned the assault, warning that the attack was a direct attempt to silence the press.

“It was just by good luck that Habil survived. It would have been a different case today,” a union representative said, calling on Governor Gladys Wanga to take action against those implicated.

In its statement, the MCK termed the incident a “grave threat to press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the rule of law in Kenya.”

“This incident signals a dangerous erosion of democratic norms, fostering fear over facts. Such thuggery undermines truth and public accountability. Aggrieved parties should approach the Media Complaints Commission, not resort to violence,” the council said.

The MCK demanded swift investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), insisting the perpetrators be arrested and Onyango’s confiscated devices recovered.

The council further emphasized that journalists are protected under Article 33 of the Constitution and international instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“No voice will be silenced, and the truth will always prevail,” the MCK affirmed.

Police have launched investigations as media organizations rally around Onyango, vowing not to be cowed by intimidation or violence.

The union also called on Governor Gladys Wanga to take action, naming Beatrice Akugo as being linked to the incident.

Police have launched investigations as media groups vow not to be cowed by threats and intimidation.