- Homa Bay County HR Manager Beatrice Mercy Akugo charged with assault
- Accused of attacking People Daily journalist Habil Onyang’o Oloo
- Pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Jacinta Orwa
- Released on KSh 30,000 bond or KSh 20,000 cash bail
- Case set for mention on September 30, 2025
Beatrice Mercy Akugo, the Human Resource Manager of Homa Bay County, was arraigned before the Homa Bay Law Court on September 16, 2025. She faced charges of assaulting People Daily journalist Habil Onyang’o Oloo.
The incident is said to have happened on September 14 at Lake Front in Homa Bay Sub-County, where the journalist reportedly sustained bodily harm.
When the charges were read out, Akugo denied the accusations. Chief Magistrate Jacinta Orwa released her on a bond of KSh 30,000 with a surety of the same amount, or a cash bail of KSh 20,000.
The matter has been scheduled for mention on September 30, 2025, where further directions will be issued by the court.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) emphasized that violence against journalists will not be tolerated.
“No individual is above the law. The safety of journalists and press freedom will always be safeguarded,” the office stated.
