At least six journalists from leading Kenyan media houses have been injured and robbed in a shocking incident involving goons and a section of police officers during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.
The media personnel, who were on duty covering the national event, were attacked despite clearly displaying their press badges.
The violence was reportedly targeted at members of the press, with goons and some rogue police officers assaulting and robbing journalists from the Standard Media Group, Nation Media Group, and Royal Media Services.
Among the injured were TV producers Steve Okedi from KTN and Marble Achieng from NTV. Others who suffered injuries include Royal Media Services journalist Ephantus Maina and NTV’s George Odiwuor.
Odiwuor had his laptop stolen during the incident, while another journalist reportedly lost his phone to the attackers.
Speaking after the ordeal, Marble Achieng recounted the terrifying moments, saying, “Even though we had valid media accreditation, they still singled us out.
They shoved us around and began hitting us with batons. That’s how I sustained my injuries.”
The Kisumu Journalists Network Interim Chairman, Rushdie Oudia, strongly condemned the attacks, terming them as a direct attack on press freedom.
He criticized the behavior of the police officers involved, stating, “This is deeply disturbing.
The fact that police officers, who are supposed to protect lives and property, took part in these attacks is shocking and shows utter irresponsibility.”
The situation at the stadium was chaotic, with thousands of people having arrived as early as 9:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 12,000, was already full before dawn on Sunday. Many of those in attendance had been transported from different parts of the country and rushed into the stadium the moment the gates were opened.
In response to the widespread cases of theft during the celebrations, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that several suspects had been arrested.
The DCI announced that at least 20 stolen mobile phones were recovered during the operation targeting the criminal elements at the venue.
Photos and videos circulating on social media showed thousands of Kenyans crowding the stadium bleachers, some seated and others lying down as they waited for the official celebration to begin.
The event, led by President William Ruto, drew massive crowds in what was expected to be a momentous occasion.
However, the celebrations were overshadowed by the brutal attacks on journalists and the widespread theft reported during the night.
This incident has sparked serious concerns about the safety of journalists in Kenya, especially during major public events.
Media associations and human rights groups are now calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for both the goons and officers involved in the attacks.
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