The Homa Bay County Government has interdicted one of its senior officers following shocking allegations of involvement in the abduction and assault of a journalist, Habil Onyango of The People Daily.

Beatrice Mercy Akuogo, a Human Resources (HR) Officer in the Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works, was suspended from duty with immediate effect after accusations emerged linking her to the incident.

According to county officials, the journalist was allegedly abducted, held against his will, physically assaulted, and threatened. The county described the claims as “grave” and “abhorrent,” adding that the interdiction would allow for a full, impartial, and unimpeded investigation.

The county government said it is working closely with the National Police Service and other investigative agencies to probe the matter comprehensively. In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, September 15, the Homa Bay County Government condemned the alleged attack and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of office by public officials.

“The County Government has today, effective immediately, taken decisive action to interdict Ms. Beatrice Mercy Akuogo, the Human Resources Officer in the Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works,” the statement read in part.

“This decision follows grave accusations that Ms. Akuogo is facing allegations of involvement in the abduction, assault, and intimidation of a journalist. The alleged details of the incident are abhorrent and include the journalist being abducted, held against his will, physically assaulted, and threatened.”

The county also emphasised its commitment to the safety of journalists, describing press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy. It assured both the public and the media of its determination to ensure accountability.

The incident has once again cast a spotlight on the safety of journalists in Kenya, where reporters often face harassment, intimidation, and violence while pursuing sensitive stories. Media unions and civil society groups have repeatedly called on county and national governments to protect journalists and prosecute those who target them.

With investigations ongoing, the interdiction marks one of the most decisive responses by a county government in recent months to allegations of attacks against the press.

County authorities, however, underline that the interdiction is procedural and does not amount to a finding of guilt. Investigators are expected to question both the suspended officer and other suspects linked to the attack.

If found guilty, the officer faces criminal prosecution alongside strict internal disciplinary measures from the county government.

Meanwhile, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) strongly condemned the September 14, 2025, assault on Onyango, terming it a serious violation of press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the rule of law.

MCK reported that Onyango was tricked into visiting a hotel in Homa Bay, where he was ambushed and beaten by attackers, leaving him with facial injuries. The assailants allegedly seized his devices, wiped out his data, and published a fake apology online in an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

“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.

The MCK linked the assault to Onyango’s recent exposé that uncovered fraudulent job schemes targeting Homa Bay residents.

The council noted that retaliatory attacks of this nature erode accountability and weaken democratic principles, creating an environment of fear rather than truth. It urged aggrieved parties to use legal redress channels such as the Media Complaints Commission instead of resorting to violence.

MCK further appealed to Kenyans, civil society, and international partners to stand against such acts against members of the Fourth Estate.