At least four journalists were injured while scores lost their valuables as police and goons targeted media personnel covering the ongoing Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay.

Several attendees were left counting losses as the goons brought as far as Kisumu thronged Raila Odinga Stadium and targeted mobile phones and money.

Two Standard Group journalists as well as an NTV journalist were targeted by police officers and assaulted. 

TV producers Steve Okedi (KTN) and Marble Achieng (NTV) as well as Royal Media Services Journalist Ephantus Maina sustained injuries on their legs after they were assaulted by security officers.

“We had our media accreditation but they still targeted us. They pushed us and started hitting us with batons and that is how I got injured,” said Achieng.

Additionally, George Odiwuor, an NTV journalist, also lost his equipment as goons took advantage of the situation to rob him of his laptop while another journalist also lost his phone.

Kisumu Journalists Network Interim Chairman Rushdie Oudia condemned the attack on journalists and described it as an affront to press freedom.

“As journalists, we take this incident with great concern, and shock especially with the utter irresponsibility and the daring face of police officers who should be protecting lives and property,” said Oudia.

Earlier on, droves of people ferried by politicians in buses to attend the fete thronged Homa Bay High School where a separate watch party had been set up. 

With nowhere to sleep, groups thronged the stadium, forcing security officers to open the gates at 7 p.m. despite an earlier directive that had slotted the opening of the gates at 3 a.m.

“What is happening is very unfortunate. Gangs moving in groups have targeted innocent people and stolen their phones and money in full glare of the police,” said Monica Aloo, a resident.

She said they forcefully grabbed her handbag as she attempted to enter the venue of the celebrations.

Meanwhile, security officers have diverted vehicles to other routes and closed several roads in Homa Bay to enable ease of access to the Raila Odinga stadium where the event is taking place.

More to follow…