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 Friday, hours after publishing a story alleging that fake appointment letters were being issued through the County Public Service Board and the County Secretary’s office to facilitate illegal hiring.

Onyango said his attackers, who were known to him, demanded that he retract the story and publish an apology clearing a woman 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.”

He was later released and sought medical treatment for injuries sustained in the ordeal.

The Homa Bay County Journalists’ Union condemned the attack and urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible.

“It was just by good luck that Habil survived. It would have been a different case today,” a union representative said. “We appeal to security agencies to protect journalists’ lives in Homa Bay.”

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.