4 Journalists, Medical Officer Attacked While On Duty In Homa Bay
The managers of a private hospital in Homa Bay County attacked four journalists and a medical officer while on duty.
According to Sub-County Medical Officer Ben Otieno, the hospital was closed by the Homa Bay County Government for failing to fulfill the necessary conditions for operation as a health facility.
Ben stated that he was attacked while executing his duty, and the journalists who were covering the story were not spared either.
He discovered that the hospital had been operating under a license from another facility that did not match the requirements for the one in question.
“This facility had numerous issues that were pending, with the major concern being the license,” Ben explained.
“The licenses were supposed to be for a different facility, and they are using licenses meant for another facility that does not meet the required standards.”
Four journalists assaulted in Homa Bay while on duty
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) April 3, 2025
The journalists had gone to cover a condemned health facility
Facility closed down due to lack of operating license#KBCniYetu @BenTroyNjue ^MM pic.twitter.com/qIqER3Pin4
He went on to say that this circumstance amounted to forgery and that after spotting it with the assistance of the sub-county management team, they proceeded to the hospital and ordered its closure.
“The closure process was done in a humane manner, ensuring that all patients were transferred to other hospitals before the facility was shut down,” he said.
Ben reported how the situation worsened when they returned in the evening to post closing notices to the walls.
“The authorities are now handling the case, and further action is expected against those involved in the assault,” Ben confirmed.
He added, “We did it very humanely. We ensured that all patients were transferred to other healthcare facilities.
“In the evening, when we were serving the closure notices and pinning them on the walls, this fracas occurred.”
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Ben continued, “I was lucky to escape without injury, but the matter is now in court, and I believe the law will follow due process.”
Journalists being harassed while on duty has been a chronic problem. Several journalists were beaten by police in Nairobi during the nationwide rallies against proposed tax hikes last June.
In October 2024, police officers responded to an attack on media personnel covering responses in Mathira, the home constituency of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Residents had organized protests against the impeachment of the second-in-command.
4 Journalists, Medical Officer Attacked While On Duty In Homa Bay
