This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
On July 13, 2015, Vincent Ngala and John Odongo, enforcement officers attached to the Busia county government, assaulted two journalists, John Mondoh and Franklyne Bwire, on their way to an interview with the Finance and Economic Planning Executive, Leonard Obimbira.
After a five-year prosecution, Principal Magistrate Samson Temu found the two employees guilty and sentenced them to six months' probation. The magistrate noted that the evidence presented by the victims proved the assault beyond doubt.
Lawyer Wycliffe Okuta, representing the media fraternity, termed the ruling a win for the media and a warning to those who threaten and attack journalists while on duty. He added that the victims could still pursue damages and other losses incurred during the assault.
The court gave the accused 14 days to appeal, with their lawyer, Joseph Makokha, stating that they would file an appeal to save their clients from losing their jobs.
Published on August 8, 2019.
