A Homa Bay County official, Beatrice Mercy Akugo, has been charged with assault and causing bodily harm to a People Daily reporter. She pleaded not guilty before Homa Bay Law Court Chief Magistrate Jacinta Orwa and was released on bond.

• Charge: Assault and causing bodily harm to journalist Habil Onyang’o Oloo.
• Accused: Beatrice Mercy Akugo, the Homa Bay County Human Resource Manager.
• Date of alleged offence: September 14, 2025.
• Bond details: Ksh.30,000 bond with a surety of the same amount or an alternative cash bail of Ksh.20,000.
• Next court mention: September 30, 2025.