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April 29, 2025 – Kenya –
A recent violent attack on seasoned photojournalist Chris Omollo has ignited widespread condemnation from media professionals, sports bodies, and rights advocates across Kenya. Omollo, who works with Nation Media Group, was allegedly assaulted by a police officer at Dandora Stadium on April 27, 2025. He was covering a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match between Gor Mahia and Mara Sugar when he was struck on the back of the head while attempting to access the venue, causing him to collapse and later require hospitalization.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the growing risks faced by journalists in the country. The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) strongly denounced the attack, calling it a violation of press freedom. SJAK Secretary-General Moses Wakhisi demanded accountability from the authorities and warned that the association would consider boycotting FKF activities unless concrete actions are taken to protect journalists in their line of duty.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed visited Omollo in the hospital and pledged a thorough internal investigation. He also committed to working with stakeholders to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
This attack follows a disturbing trend. In March 2025, at least five journalists were reportedly assaulted by police while covering protests in Nairobi’s Majengo area. The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) called for investigations, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalists’ constitutional rights and the public’s access to information.
The growing number of such incidents has also drawn concern from international bodies. Reporters Without Borders and the Federation of African Journalists both condemned the assaults, urging Kenyan authorities to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable and that journalists can work safely and freely.
These developments have underscored a critical need for structural reforms in how security personnel interact with the press. Many stakeholders now demand that the government and sports regulators implement strict protocols to guarantee media safety. Without such measures, both journalism and the broader public discourse in Kenya remain under threat. The incident involving Chris Omollo serves as a stark reminder that press freedom must be protected to uphold democratic values.
Reference –
https://nation.africa/kenya/blogs-opinion/blogs/attacking-journalists-bad-for-kenyan-sports-5023234
