SJAK threatens to boycott Kenyan Premier League after attack on journalist

Football Kenya Federation is staring at a blackout from the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya, following the assault of veteran Daily Nation photojournalist Chris Omollo by a security officer.

The incident that occurred during the Gor Mahia FC vs Mara Sugar clash at Dandora Stadium on Sunday, April 27, 2025, left Omollo unconscious after being struck on the head by an officer and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.

 SJAK condemned the act and threatened to boycott coverage of all KPL matches if the FKF and the national Police service do not assure journalist of their security.

 Witnesses confirmed that journalists had been instructed to use a separate entrance to avoid the congested main gate, yet Omollo was attacked as he made his way onto the field.

The assault left him unconscious and broke his spectacles. Notably, Omollo had previously undergone head surgery, making the incident even more alarming.

In a statement, SJAK President James Waindi condemned the attack, calling it “unprovoked and unacceptable,” and emphasised the critical role journalists play in promoting sports.

 "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,” Waindi said.

He warned that if FKF  and the Ministry of Interior fail to take immediate action to curb rising match-day violence, SJAK would mobilise all sports journalists nationwide to boycott all KPL matches.

 SJAK secretary general Moses Wakhisi further wrote to the Federation president, Hussein Mohammed,  on a matter and demanded immediate action of urgency.

 “It is with great regret that I must highlight that this is not the first time a journalist has faced such aggression while covering football in Kenya. This must not and will not be tolerated moving forward. The safety of our members must be guaranteed at all times, particularly in the course of their professional duties," the letter partly read

 Wakhisi further urged FKF to collaborate with the relevant authorities to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.

The ball is now on the federation’s court with SJAK demanding commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists is prioritised in all football-related events moving forward.

 Meanwhile, newly appointed FKF communications and PR officer, Jeff Kinyanjui, apologised on behalf of the federation and affirmed that action will be taken.

 “ I wish to sincerely apologise to Chris and the entire media fraternity for the unfortunate incident. It is a regrettable situation, and we fully empathise with Chris and all affected persons. We have taken note of the concerns raised and will be addressing the matter internally to ensure such incidents are avoided going forward.” Said Jeff.

Scribes who break a sweat in the line of duty to bring first-hand information to the public collectively condemned the act.

They were led by photojournalist Stafford Ondego, Gregory Mulemi,  Shadrack  Andenga, and Celestine Olilo, among others.

Veteran journalist Mutwiri Mutuota, currently based at CTGN, called for an immediate boycott of volatile stadiums, and not a blanket boycott of football coverage.

"This is just one of the reported cases, journalists have suffered at the hands of stewards and cops, and we should not wait for someone to die before boycotting the volatile stadiums," said Mutuota

The winner of the Sport Award at the 2008 CNN Africa Journalist Awards asked the SJAK office to immediately draft a letter to the County Police Command and copy the Inspector General of Police to show the weight of the matter.