People Daily journalist and son attacked in brutal Kisumu home invasion
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 26, 2025People Daily journalist Kepher Otieno and his son were brutally attacked by armed thugs at their home in Nyamasaria Estate, Kisumu City.
The attackers, wielding a panga, stormed the house in the early hours of the morning, injuring both Otieno and his son before stealing valuables, including a laptop and household items.
The two are currently receiving treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu. Police have launched investigations and are working to track down those responsible.
Otieno, a respected journalist with People Daily, was hit on the head with a heavy object. His son, who witnessed the incident, also suffered injuries during the attack.
“I thank God I’m still breathing,” Otieno told those who came to see him at the hospital, among them Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir.
“As they left, one of the attackers said, ‘Bernard, let’s go.’ Lying there in pain, I heard another ask if I’d been finished.”
According to his son, the assault happened just before 2 am, Friday, July 26, 2025.
“I hadn’t slept yet when I heard dad shouting for help. Thugs had broken into the house,” he said, speaking to reporters.“They broke down the steel door using metal bars.”
He said the gang consisted of five armed men, who violently attacked him, his father, and a visiting relative, Caleb Onyango. The intruders made off with two TV sets, two mobile phones, and other household items after ransacking the house.
“They kept beating dad on the head. It was terrifying,” he added.
This shocking incident has added to growing concerns about the safety of journalists in Kenya. Attacks on media professionals are becoming more common, raising fears about press freedom and personal security.
Violent crime in Kisumu
This incident comes amid a rising wave of violent crime across Kisumu. Earlier this week, law enforcement teams, led by Kisumu East Sub-County Police Commander Edward Wafula and the Quick Response Team (QRT), conducted a night raid and arrested ten individuals, including a woman, suspected of being part of local gangs. Weapons were recovered from areas including Kibos, Ogango Kunya, and Elgons.
Just weeks ago, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga voiced concern over growing insecurity and suggested that community watch groups be created in high-risk neighbourhoods to help restore order.