Four journalists were assaulted and harassed by security officers while covering Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Sunday, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.
Among those injured were KTN TV producer Steve Okedi, Royal Media Services journalist Ephantus Maina, and Nation Media Group (NMG) producer Mable Achieng’.
Both Maina and Achieng’ were treated by Red Cross medics stationed at the venue following the incidents.
Okedi recounted that despite showing his official accreditation, officers manhandled him, injuring his leg. He was only allowed access to the stadium after a senior officer intervened.
Achieng’ revealed she had arrived at the stadium as early as 5 a.m., following directives from a regional media briefing. However, she said security officers began aggressively pushing journalists and eventually assaulted them.
“They kept shoving us and later started hitting us. That’s how I got injured, along with other residents who were caught in the chaos,” she stated.
In the ensuing disorder, NMG correspondent George Odiwuor reportedly lost his phone and laptop, while another unnamed journalist was also attacked by security personnel.
The Kenya Journalists Network (KJN) Interim Chairman Rushdie Oudia condemned the incidents, describing them as a blatant attack on press freedom.
“What happened today is not just shocking, it’s an unacceptable interference with the constitutional freedoms of the press enshrined under Articles 33 and 34,” Oudia said.
He criticized the security officers for what he termed “utter irresponsibility and brazenness,” noting that those charged with protecting citizens turned their force against accredited journalists simply doing their job.
KJN has since called for an urgent and independent investigation into the assaults, demanding that those responsible be held accountable.
The network further urged the Office of the President, the Ministry of Interior, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take swift and decisive action.
“We must safeguard the dignity, safety, and freedom of journalists who serve the public interest,” added Oudia.
Homa Bay Hosts Historic Madaraka Day Fete
The ugly scenes came as Homa Bay County prepared to make history by hosting the 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations for the first time. The event was positioned as a tribute to the region’s central role in Kenya’s Blue Economy ambitions.
Speaking on Saturday at Tom Mboya University, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said Homa Bay was chosen for its strategic location on the shores of Lake Victoria, aligning with this year’s theme: ‘Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth.’
“This year’s Madaraka Day is more than a national celebration. It’s a statement of intent from the Kenya Kwanza administration to anchor Blue Economy and Maritime affairs at the heart of Kenya’s sustainable development goals,” said Dr. Mwaura.
The national event was held at the newly unveiled 12,000-seater Raila Odinga Stadium, constructed at a cost of KSh 500 million — which Mwaura praised as a symbol of equitable devolution and infrastructure growth.
Beyond the stadium, the county has undergone extensive infrastructure improvements in preparation for the celebrations.
Over 35 kilometers of road networks, including the Homa Bay Pier–Stadium Road and upgrades around the County Government Headquarters in Arujo, have been completed.
Work on the Kabunde Airstrip and additional transport links is also ongoing, with the government eyeing a boost in trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
