Homa Bay HR Officer Suspended Over Journalist’s Abduction in Job-Fraud Scandal

Homa Bay, Kenya — 2025-09-16 15:45 EAT. Authorities in Homa Bay County have interdicted Beatrice Mercy Akuogo, a senior human resources officer, after journalist Habil Onyango was abducted and assaulted following his exposé on an alleged job-fraud scandal.

The Latest

• County spokesperson Atieno Otieno confirmed Akuogo’s suspension pending investigations.

• Onyango was lured to a hotel, ambushed by thugs, forced to inhale bhang, beaten, and driven around for hours before release.

• Attackers allegedly deleted data from his devices and posted a false apology on his social media accounts.

Government and Media Response

• Homa Bay County pledged full cooperation with police and investigative agencies.

• Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemned the attack as a serious threat to press freedom, warning that “such thuggery undermines truth and public accountability.”

• MCK urged parties aggrieved by media reports to use the Media Complaints Commission rather than resort to violence.

Context

• Onyango’s reporting on fraudulent hiring practices in Homa Bay’s Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works is believed to have triggered the assault.

• Civil society groups and media watchdogs have demanded swift investigations and recovery of the journalist’s devices.

Implications

• Press freedom: Highlights growing risks for journalists exposing corruption and abuse of office.

• Governance: Signals the county’s zero-tolerance stance toward officials implicated in criminal acts.

• Legal action: Investigators expected to trace suspects and prosecute perpetrators under assault and data-theft laws.

What to Watch

• Progress of criminal investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

• Possible charges against county officials or hired attackers.

• Reactions from media freedom organisations and human rights groups.