Lead image for Journalists attacked, equipment stolen in Homa Bay political violence.
On Sunday morning, AFP journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro set off from Kisumu for Homa Bay to cover a Linda Mwananchi political rally. They would soon become part of the story they had gone to report.
The two boarded a matatu at about 6am carrying cameras, phones and other equipment for the assignment. They arrived in Homa Bay Town about two hours later, only to find the town largely deserted amid heightened political tension.
As they searched for a motorbike to move around, they encountered armed youths who had barricaded the Homa Bay-Kendu Bay road.
The journalists said the group attacked them with crude weapons, leaving them injured and taking some of their equipment and personal belongings. Mr Ooko said he was dragged along the road and beaten with clubs.
“I was dragged on the road as goons beat me with clubs. My colleague Brian Ongoro was also beaten. He lost his phone and camera. My licence, press card and other assorted items were taken,” he said.
Chaos erupts at Ndhiwa Centre as goons attack the Linda Mwananchi convoy with stones, forcing police to lob tear gas canisters.