The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has visited veteran Nation Media Group photojournalist Chris Omollo at the Nairobi hospital after he was allegedly attacked by police officers during the Gor Mahia FC vs. Mara Sugar Football Kenya Federation (FKF PL) match
This comes after Omollo was hit on the head by a police officer, leading him to collapse despite identifying himself.
The attack brewed this reaction from the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) since it is not the first concerning case regarding the security of journalists and fans during local matches. The game was played on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi.
At the stadium, journalists are instructed to use a different and separate entrance to avoid congestion while getting in. In accord with the witnesses, Chris was struck as he made his way to the stadium. To add salt to the injury, he became unconscious and broke his spectacles. The photojournalist had previously undergone a head surgery and the assault made his condition alarming.
The federation stated that the president, Hussein Mohammed, has visited the photojournalist in hospital to express support and solidarity. They have also launched an internal investigation into the matter, working closely with the relevant stakeholders and authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent process.
“We strongly condemn the attack on Chris, as well as the incidents involving fans and other journalists. We remain committed to making our stadia safe and welcoming environments for all,” the federation said.
In a statement, Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) President James Waindi strongly denounced the assault, describing it as “unprovoked and unacceptable,” while highlighting the essential contribution of journalists in advancing and supporting the sports industry.
“We strongly condemn this brutal assault. The safety of sports journalists must be protected at all times. We demand swift disciplinary action against the officer involved,” he said.
He insisted that if FKF and the Ministry of Interior fail to swiftly address the escalating violence during match days, SJAK would rally sports journalists across the country to stage a collective boycott of FKF Premier League fixtures and enforce a total media blackout on football-related coverage.
Molly Chebet
| Apr 29, 2025