The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged a Homa Bay County official with assault and causing bodily harm to a journalist.

Homa Bay County Human Resource Manager, Beatrice Mercy Akugo was on September 16, 2025 charged at the Homa Bay Law Court with assaulting People Daily reporter Habil Onyang’o Oloo in Homa Bay.

The court heard that the accused committed the offence on September 14, 2025, at Lake Front in Homa Bay Sub-County.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges before Chief Magistrate Jacinta Orwa and was released on a KSh 30,000 bond with a surety of the same amount or an alternative cash bail of KSh 20,000.

The case will be mentioned on September 30, 2025.

This landmark ruling lays a foundation for legal battle that will evaluate whether the county official is guilty or not.

Basing on the charge sheet, Oloo sustained injuries during the attack.

Prosecutors said the incident happened while he was on duty, and the matter still under investigation as police pursue other suspects.

MCK Reaction

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) said Onyango was lured at Homa Bay hotel where he was ambushed by thugs and assaulted, causing some facial injuries.

His working devices were confiscated, data deleted, and a fake apology posted online to mislead the public.

“Seizing a moment of distraction, he escaped via a passing boda boda motorcycle. The incident involves serious crimes assault, abduction, and property interference that demand urgent action beyond a routine entry,” MCK stated.

Growing Concerns Over Journalists’ Safety

This latest incident has highlighted growing concern and risks journalists are going through while in the line of duty.

In recent days journalists have sustained serious injuries while carrying out their journalistic duties.