Habil Onyango, a journalist committed to exposing corruption, recently endured a terrifying ordeal in Homa Bay County.
He was reportedly abducted and beaten by goons allegedly linked to county employees after publishing a story that revealed a fake employment scam targeting desperate residents.
Onyango managed to escape and has since given a detailed statement to the police, demanding justice for the brutal attack.
The scheme he exposed has caused serious harm in the community. Many residents in Homa Bay, struggling with unemployment, have fallen victim to promises of county jobs that do not exist. Scammers demand large sums of money as “processing fees” or “guaranteed placements,” only to vanish once the payments are made.
Families are left in financial ruin while those behind the scam, some allegedly tied to county officials, continue exploiting the situation. The fear of retaliation and shame often stops victims from coming forward, allowing these criminal operations to persist.
Reports indicate that such fraud is widespread in Homa Bay, with hundreds losing money to con artists who pretend to have influence within the local government.
The involvement of county insiders is particularly disturbing. Instead of protecting residents, these officials appear to be either complicit or indifferent, turning public trust into a tool for personal gain. This behavior corrodes governance, undermines accountability, and preys on the most vulnerable.
The assault on Onyango highlights a problem of intimidation against journalists.
The alleged perpetrators aimed to silence someone exposing corruption and illegal activities. This shows a disturbing culture of impunity where violence is used to shield wrongdoing.
Local governments should serve their communities, but when officials or their associates resort to threats and physical harm to protect scams, it becomes clear that exploitation has taken priority over service.
Onyango’s courage in escaping and reporting the incident is commendable, but it underscores a deeper failure in protecting those who hold power accountable.
The police now carry the responsibility to investigate fully and ensure the attackers face justice. A weak response would signal that targeting journalists is acceptable, putting others in danger and allowing scams to continue unchecked.
Homa Bay’s residents are the real victims, having been swindled out of their savings while also witnessing a journalist punished for exposing the truth.
This incident is a stark reminder of the need for stronger oversight in county administrations across Kenya, vigilant reporting, and protections for journalists who risk their safety to serve the public. The county goons and any complicit employees must be held accountable, and measures should be put in place to prevent similar abuse from happening again. The people deserve honest governance and genuine opportunities, not scams and violence that exploit their hopes.
Justice for Onyango and the community is critical for rebuilding trust and restoring integrity in local governance.
