A brutal assault on a photojournalist during a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League match has sparked national outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety of media personnel at local football events.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsDaily Nation photojournalist Chris Omollo is currently hospitalized after being violently attacked by a police officer while covering Gor Mahia’s 4-0 victory over Mara Sugar at Dandora Stadium on Sunday, April 27.##NAJAVA_MECA_8884227##What was meant to be a routine assignment quickly turned into a nightmare.According to eyewitnesses, Omollo followed all standard procedures, including using a separate media entrance to avoid overcrowding at the main gate. However, as he approached the pitch, an unidentified officer struck him on the back of the head with a blunt object, breaking his spectacles and knocking him unconscious.Confident Amos Wanjala backs Rising Stars to shine at AFCON U20 in EgyptOmollo, a veteran journalist who previously underwent head surgery, required immediate medical attention and is now under observation at a Nairobi hospital.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 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.”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,… pic.twitter.com/pebTbHpo4o— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) April 29, 2025 SJAK further warned of severe consequences if the incident is ignored, including a possible nationwide boycott of FKF Premier League matches by sports journalists.“We urge the Football Kenya Federation and the Ministry of Interior to rein in the rising violence on match days. If FKF fails to address this issue immediately, we will not hesitate to act.”Judy Waguthii makes triumphant ring returnThe attack has amplified growing concerns about the treatment of journalists and other stakeholders at FKF-sanctioned events, exposing potential gaps in match-day security and crowd management.There is now mounting pressure on FKF and the Ministry of Interior to identify and discipline the officer involved and to implement sweeping reforms that guarantee the safety and dignity of journalists covering football in Kenya.
