An assault on a photojournalist during a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League match has raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists and all attendees at local football events.
Daily Nation photojournalist Chris Omollo is currently hospitalized after being struck by an object thrown by a police officer while trying to enter the stadium to cover Gor Mahia’s 4-0 victory over Mara Sugar at Dandora Stadium on Sunday, April 27.
Journalists were instructed to use a separate entrance, away from the unrest at the main gate. However, as Omollo approached the pitch, police officers, in an effort to disperse the growing crowd, unleashed tear gas. It was during this chaos that Omollo was hit on the head while gaining access to the stadium.
Omollo, a veteran journalist who has previously undergone head surgery, required immediate medical attention and is now under observation at a hospital in Nairobi.
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as a blatant violation of press freedom and setting a dangerous precedent for media safety at sporting venues.
“As SJAK, we strongly condemn this unprovoked attack on a journalist. It is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of sport,” said SJAK President James Waindi in a statement. Sports journalists play a vital role in the growth of sports in this country, and their safety must be guaranteed. We call for swift disciplinary action against the officer responsible.”
SJAK further warned of severe consequences if this incident is overlooked, including a potential nationwide boycott of FKF Premier League matches by sports journalists.
“We urge the Football Kenya Federation and the Ministry of Interior to address the rising violence on match days. If FKF fails to address this issue immediately, we will not hesitate to take action.”
