The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has threatened to boycott coverage of Kenyan Premier League matches following the assault of veteran Daily Nation photojournalist Chris Omollo by security officers during the Gor Mahia FC vs. Mara Sugar clash on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi.
Omollo lost consciousness after being struck on the head by an officer despite having properly identified himself. He is currently hospitalized in Nairobi and receiving medical treatment.
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 emphasized 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 the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Interior fail to take immediate action to curb rising match-day violence, SJAK would mobilize all sports journalists nationwide to boycott KPL matches and impose a complete blackout on football coverage.
