Kenya Rugby Union Explains Viral Incident Of Female Journalist Harassed At HSBC SVNS 2
The incident was captured on camera, showing online sports journalist Ruckiel Odikor, popularly known as Rix, manhandled by security personnel during her live coverage of the international rugby event.
Marvin Chege 
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has broken its silence following a viral incident involving a journalist and security officers during the HSBC SVNS 2 Series at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
KRU released a statement on Tuesday evening, February 17, two days after the incident was captured on camera, showing online sports journalist Ruckiel Odikor, popularly known as Rix, manhandled by security personnel during her live coverage of the international rugby event.
In the clip obtained by Viral Tea, Odikor was seen seemingly arguing with the personnel next to a standby ambulance, all while one of them, wearing a blue shirt, was seen approaching her from behind to restrain her.
Photo of online sports journalist Ruckiel Odikor, popularly known as Rix. /LINE SPORTS NEWS
Amidst the altercation with the personnel, the man in blue could be seen violently shoving Odikor from the scene as one of the personnel in a reflector jacket joined in dragging her away from the area, much to her spirited resistance. The blue-shirted man then grabbed her waist and hurled her out of the stadium.
Video emerges of security manhandling a female sports journalist at Nyayo Stadium during HSBC SVNS 2#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/pSlWV2F4Re — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) February 16, 2026
KRU, in the statement, acknowledged the growing public backlash after the video circulated online. According to the union, the confrontation occurred after the media practitioner, known for founding Sports Eye Media, allegedly accessed a restricted zone near the track and medical area without proper accreditation clearance.
“KRU does not condone excessive force under any circumstances,” the union stated, while also stressing that ignoring safety protocols in sensitive areas “creates risk and cannot be permitted.”
The rugby body explained that restricted zones around the field — including medical response sections and player recovery areas — are tightly controlled to protect injured athletes, ensure smooth medical operations, and maintain match integrity. Security personnel reportedly intervened to enforce these rules, leading to the viral scuffle.
KRU confirmed that investigations are underway involving event security teams and relevant authorities to establish what exactly happened.
The incident sparked debate online, with concerns raised over both media freedom and the conduct of security officers at major sporting events. Numerous online users had identified one of the men who manhandled her as a head coach of a university rugby team and a police officer within the Administration Police, triggering calls for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to intervene in the matter.
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) condemned the assault, warning that growing hostility towards journalists was undermining sports coverage in the country.
"Journalism is not a crime, and a sports venue must never become a place of fear for accredited media professionals. We appreciate the cooperation so far shown by the Kenya Rugby Union and the security apparatus, and we are jointly working toward a swift resolution," stated SJAK in a statement.
“These incidents point to a systemic gap in the understanding and management of media relations within the sporting ecosystem,” the Association added, noting that the problem cuts across football, athletics, rugby, boxing, basketball, volleyball, and motorsport.
SJAK maintained that no dispute, procedural lapse, or misunderstanding can ever excuse the use of physical force against a journalist.
At the same time, the body pointed out that journalists carry professional obligations, noting that any behaviour falling short of expected standards would be handled internally through its disciplinary mechanisms. It emphasised that professionalism must be upheld by all parties.
To curb similar incidents in the future, SJAK urged that it be incorporated into Local Organising Committees for major international and high-risk local sporting events, arguing that early involvement would allow for better coordination on media access, zoning, and security briefings, ultimately minimising conflict and confusion.
Even as pressure mounts, KRU maintains it is committed to delivering international-standard tournaments while safeguarding athletes, fans, and accredited media, adding that it is engaging members of the press to address concerns and improve working conditions moving forward.
