- Nation Media photojournalist Chris Omollo was assaulted while trying to access Dandora Stadium during Gor Mahia vs Mara Sugar FKF premier league match on Sunday, April 27.
- FKF condemned the incident, calling it unacceptable and deeply regrettable.
- The Federation response came after SJAK also condemned the attack in a strong statement.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has stepped in to condemn the violent assault on Daily Nation photojournalist Chris Omollo during an FKF Premier League (FKFPL) match over the weekend.
Omollo is currently hospitalized after a police officer brutally struck him on the head as he attempted to access Dandora Stadium during the Gor Mahia versus Mara Sugar fixture, which ended in a 4-0 victory for Gor Mahia on Sunday evening.
Reports indicate that journalists had been instructed to use a designated entry point to avoid congestion at the main gate.
However, as Omollo made his way into the venue, an unidentified police officer hit him at the back of the head, breaking his spectacles in the process.
Omollo—who had previously undergone head surgery immediately lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital for emergency medical attention.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the FKF expressed deep regret and strongly condemned the incident, labeling it unacceptable for Kenyan football.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is deeply saddened and profoundly regrets the assault on Daily Nation photojournalist, Mr. Chris Omollo, during the Gor Mahia versus Mara Sugar FKF Premier League match on Sunday, 27th April 2025, at Dandora Stadium, Nairobi.
We strongly condemn the violence directed at Mr. Omollo, as well as any aggression towards fans and other journalists. Such actions are unacceptable and have no place in Kenyan football,” the FKF statement read.
The media and fans are integral to the football ecosystem, and their safety is a top priority. FKF is fully committed to ensuring that all individuals can attend and cover football matches in a secure environment, free from fear or harm.”
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In response, FKF announced it is collaborating with all relevant authorities including the National Police Service, Gor Mahia FC, Mara Sugar FC, and the Dandora Stadium management—to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Moreover, the federation is working to strengthen security protocols for journalists and spectators across all venues in Kenya.
In response to this unacceptable incident, FKF is taking swift and decisive action. We are working closely with the National Police Service (NPS). Gor Mahia, Mara Sugar., and Dandora Stadium management to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of this assault and ensure accountability for those responsible.
Additionally, we are reviewing and enhancing security protocols for journalists and spectators at Dandora Stadium and all football venues across Kenya to prevent future occurrences,” the statement continued.
The FKF’s reaction follows a strong statement from the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), which also condemned the attack.
SJAK has warned it will consider a nationwide boycott of football coverage if the federation and the National Police Service fail to guarantee the safety of media personnel.
We call for swift disciplinary action against the officer responsible. We also 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, SJAK will rally all sports journalists nationwide to boycott football matches and impose a total blackout,” part of the SJAK statement read.
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FKF Willing to work with SJAK
In response, the federation has reiterated its willingness to work closely with SJAK and other key stakeholders to devise comprehensive safety measures that protect journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom.
FKF is dedicated to collaborating with the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) and other stakeholders to implement robust measures that prioritize journalist safety and uphold press freedom. We welcome open dialogue to ensure these measures effectively address the needs of all journalists,” the federation affirmed.
The FKF concluded by extending heartfelt wishes for Chris swift recovery.
“We wish Mr. Omollo a full and speedy recovery and reaffirm our commitment to addressing this matter with the urgency and seriousness it demands.”
