In a shocking turn of events at the heart of Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, chaos broke out at Raila Odinga Stadium as journalists were violently attacked, injured, and robbed in what appears to be a coordinated assault involving both thugs and rogue police officers.
At least six reporters from Kenya’s top media houses—Standard Media Group, Nation Media Group, and Royal Media Services—fell victim to the brutal ambush during the 62nd Madaraka Day festivities.
Among the injured are Marble Achieng (NTV), Steve Okedi (KTN), George Odiwuor (NTV), and Ephantus Maina (Royal Media Services). Odiwuor suffered a painful blow—not just physically but professionally—after thugs made away with his work laptop in the middle of the melee.
“Even with our media badges clearly displayed, they came for us. They shoved us, hit us with batons. That’s how I got injured,” Achieng revealed, her voice filled with frustration and disbelief.
Eyewitness accounts and early reports allege that uniformed police officers stood by—or worse, took part in—the assault, raising serious questions about security protocols and the protection of press freedom in Kenya.
The acting chair of the Kisumu Journalists Network, Rushdie Oudia, condemned the attack in strong terms:
“We are horrified. This wasn’t just thuggery—it was a blatant assault on press freedom by those meant to safeguard it.”
The violence didn’t stop at the press. Ordinary Kenyans, some of whom had camped in the stadium since Saturday night, also fell victim to rampant phone snatching. Authorities have since confirmed the recovery of 20 stolen phones and say suspects are in custody following a crackdown by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The Raila Odinga Stadium had hit full capacity by the break of dawn on Sunday, with thousands streaming in from across the country. As images flooded social media, Kenyans could be seen packed on the stadium benches, eagerly awaiting President William Ruto’s address.
What was meant to be a day of national pride has now been tainted by violence, fear, and deep concern about the safety of both citizens and journalists in public spaces.
The nation is watching—demanding answers.
