Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has interdicted Human Resources Officer Beatrice Mercy Akugo after she was linked to the abduction and torture of a journalist.
In a statement on Monday, September 15, Homa Bay Chief Officer of Public Communication Atieno Otieno announced the interdiction of Akugo, who served in the Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works.
“The County Government has today, effective immediately, taken decisive action to interdict Ms. Beatrice Mercy Akugo, the Human Resources Officer in the Department of Roads, Transport, and Public Works,” read part of the statement.
Atieno noted that the dismissal of the HR officer is a standard procedural measure to allow for a thorough, impartial, and unimpeded investigation into the allegations.
“The interdiction is a standard procedural measure to allow for a thorough, impartial, and unimpeded investigation into these allegations. The County Government is fully cooperating with the National Police Service and other relevant investigative agencies to ensure a comprehensive probe is conducted,” she stated.
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The county government also said it is working closely with the National Police Service (NPS) and other investigative agencies to ensure a comprehensive probe.
Further, Atieno affirmed the Homa Bay County government’s zero-tolerance policy on abuse of office, warning that any staff member found guilty of misconduct would face stern disciplinary action in addition to legal consequences.
“We assure the public and journalists in Homa Bay of our unwavering commitment to the rule of law and accountability, and any individual found guilty of these heinous acts will face the full force of the law, in addition to stringent internal disciplinary measures,” she added.
Akugo is accused of being behind the abduction, assault, and intimidation of Habil Onyango, a journalist with The People Daily.
The scribe was abducted and tortured after publishing an article on Friday detailing how a county employee was allegedly taking bribes and facilitating illegal employment through fraudulent documentation.
The exposé revealed that individuals were issued fake appointment letters from the County Public Service Board and the County Secretary’s office, enabling illegal hiring within the county government.
Speaking after the ordeal, Onyango said the attackers demanded he immediately publish an apology retracting claims about a woman mentioned in his corruption exposé.
"They ordered me to make an apology immediately, to write a story apologizing that the lady was not involved in such a case," Onyango explained. "But I told them, such a story cannot run immediately."
Following his release, Onyango sought medical treatment for injuries sustained during the torture.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemned the incident and demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) conduct a thorough probe.
“We demand swift, transparent investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Independent Policing Oversight Authority, and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“The perpetrators, known to Mr Onyango, must face arrest and prosecution. We urge the National Police Service to recover Mr Onyango's devices and ensure his safety,” the council stated.
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