Homa Bay, August 16, 2026 — Two journalists have been injured after they were allegedly attacked by armed goons while covering heightened tensions in Homa Bay town ahead of the planned Linda Mwananchi rally.

AFP journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro were reportedly assaulted by a group armed with crude weapons as they covered events in the town.

The attackers allegedly took the journalists’ press cards, driving licences, cameras and other personal belongings before dragging them along the road and beating them with clubs.

The two journalists were eventually rescued after a boda boda rider intervened. They later reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station.

The attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Homa Bay, where several groups have reportedly blocked roads leading into the town.

Business and transport activities have also been disrupted, with motorists forced to seek alternative routes as tensions continue to rise ahead of the opposition rally.

Several churches in the area reportedly remained closed amid fears of possible clashes.

The Linda Mwananchi campaign, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, among other opposition leaders, is scheduled to hold rallies in Nyandiwa and Sindo.

The leaders are already in Suba South as preparations for the rallies continue.

The assault on the journalists has raised fresh concerns over the safety of media workers covering political activities, particularly in areas experiencing heightened political tensions.

Authorities are yet to announce arrests in connection with the attack as investigations continue.