Madaraka Day 2025: Journalists Assaulted by Security Officers in Homa Bay
- Chaos overshadowed Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay as police and goons targeted journalists, leaving at least four injured
- One of them lost his laptop after the attackers took advantage of the chaos to steal his equipment
- The attacks, which occurred despite media accreditation, sparked outrage over growing threats to press freedom
- Media bodies are now demanding swift action and accountability
Homa Bay — At least four journalists sustained injuries and several others lost valuables as chaos erupted during Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
Source: Facebook
NTV reports that police officers and unidentified goons reportedly targeted media personnel covering the national event.
Which journalists were assaulted?
The incident, which has sparked outrage among media practitioners and press freedom advocates, saw journalists from top media houses assaulted despite having valid accreditation.
Two journalists from the Standard Group and one from NTV were among those assaulted by police officers during the melee.
Among those injured were TV producers Steve Okedi of KTN and Marble Achieng of NTV, along with Royal Media Services journalist Ephantus Maina.
The trio reportedly sustained injuries on their legs after being struck with batons by security officers.
“We had our media accreditation, but they still targeted us. They pushed us and started hitting us with batons,” said Achieng, recounting the harrowing experience.
Source: Facebook
Which items were stolen at Madaraka Day?
In a separate incident, NTV journalist George Odiwuor lost his laptop after goons took advantage of the chaos to steal his equipment.
Another journalist also reported losing a mobile phone during the stampede.
Eyewitnesses said that some of the suspected goons had travelled from as far as Kisumu and mingled with the crowd before unleashing a wave of theft.
Details indicate that the goons targeted mobile phones, wallets, and other valuables from unsuspecting attendees.
The incident has cast a dark shadow over the national celebrations, raising fresh concerns about the safety of journalists and the growing impunity in attacks against the media.
Homa Bay residents fill stadium at midnight
Meanwhile, thousands of Homa Bay residents left many in awe by turning up in numbers on the eve of the annual event.
A few minutes after midnight, the Raila Odinga Stadium was already packed to capacity ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations.
They braved the night with unmatched energy and patriotism, excitement that many believe is a clear sign the region is fully behind President William Ruto and Raila Odinga's political deal.
History of Madaraka Day
Madaraka Day celebrations take place every year on June 1 to commemorate the day Kenya achieved internal self-governance from the British colonists.
This national holiday was created under Article 8 of the Constitution, which was inaugurated in 2010.
During the event, the military organises a parade, various entertainers make people happy, and speeches are given by government heads.
Since time immemorial, the sitting head of state has given a speech addressing the struggle for freedom and touched on other issues affecting the country, after which the national anthem is sung to mark the end of the celebrations.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
