Kenyan Photojournalist Attacked by Boda-Boda Gang Draws Editors’ Condemnation

February 28, 2026 – Kenya – 

Kenyan media organisations have strongly condemned the violent assault of a photojournalist by a group of boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) riders in Nairobi County, underscoring rising risks for journalists covering crime and public safety issues. The incident occurred on February 25, 2026, when veteran Nation Media Group (NMG) photojournalist Habil Kweyu was attacked while on assignment in the Mwiki area — a neighbourhood known for rising criminal activity.

According to eyewitness accounts and reports from the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG), Kweyu was taking photographs of boda-boda riders when a group of them surrounded, assaulted, and robbed him of his camera equipment. Victims of the mob attack, the journalists say, the assailants were angry about being photographed, a reaction that quickly escalated into physical violence. Kweyu suffered minor injuries but was able to seek medical attention and report the incident to the police.

The Kenya Editors’ Guild, which represents editors and senior journalists across the country, released a statement condemning the assault and calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Guild Chairman Joseph Odindo urged law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that journalists should be able to report in public spaces without fear of harassment or violence.

KEG also highlighted broader concerns about safety for media workers in Kenya, especially those covering crime, politics, and other sensitive beats. Odindo said the attack on Kweyu was indicative of a “deepening insecurity” that not only threatens journalists’ physical well-being but also undermines news coverage and public accountability. He called on authorities to implement protective measures and ensure that press freedom is upheld as a constitutional right.

The Nation Media Group also issued a statement backing its staff member, describing the attack as “unacceptable” and affirming the organisation’s commitment to supporting its journalists. Media rights advocates say such assaults fuel a culture of impunity and inhibit robust reporting on crime and social issues, urging a coordinated response from state agencies, civil society, and the media industry.

The case remains under police investigation, and KEG has called for heightened vigilance and training for both law enforcement and the public to protect journalists and reaffirm their role in covering public-interest events.

Reference –

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-02-26-editors-probe-attack-on-photojournalist

https://www.citizen.digital/article/kenya-editors-guild-condemns-attack-on-nmg-journalist-habil-kweyu-by-boda-boda-gang-n378135