The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has condemned the violent assault on photojournalist Habil Kweyu in Nairobi.
Machete-wielding thugs on a motorbike attacked Kweyu on his way home on Monday.
KEG described the attack as a serious and unacceptable act of violence that has revealed the worsening insecurity in Nairobi.
It, however, did not link it to Kweyu’s profession.
“Organised gangs continue to terrorise motorists, pedestrians, business owners and commuters with alarming audacity,” KEG said.
The guild said the incident called for the need to restore public safety and unrelentingly dismantle criminal networks within the city.
"Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, his PS [Raymond] Omollo, and Police IG Douglas Kanja must be held accountable for this rising state of anarchy,” it said.
National Police Service should launch a swift and thorough investigation, arrest the responsible individuals, and reinforce measures to de-escalate the violent crimes, KEG said.
The organisation further urged the Nairobi City County leadership to collaborate closely with security agencies in enhancing safety within the city.
“We stand in solidarity with the injured photojournalist and all victims of these attacks, and we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for a safe environment in which journalists—and indeed all citizens—can carry out their daily lives without threat or intimidation,” KEG said.
In September last year, journalist Habil Onyango was allegedly assaulted and intimidated in Homa Bay county over his investigative reporting.
Onyango is reported to have been ambushed, abducted and assaulted by a group of unknown individuals.
The attackers reportedly confiscated his phone, deleted his data and posted a fake apology online to discredit him.
The Media Council of Kenya, while condemning the attack, demanded a swift and thorough investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“The incident, reported to Homa Bay Police Station (OB 25/14/25), involves serious crimes, assault, abduction and property interference that demand urgent action beyond a routine entry,” the council said.
