SJAK Writes To FKF After NMG Journalist Attacked During Football Match

The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) on Monday, August 7 sought the intervention of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following the attack on a Nation Media Group (NMG) journalist by a group of fans during a football match between Nairobi United and Zoo FC.

SJAK revealed in a statement seen by Viral Tea that John Njoroge, a photographer attached to the regional media house, was harassed on Sunday, August 6 by a group of fans during the game.

"I am writing to you today as a representative of the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya, to express our deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of a distressing incident that transpired during the recent football match between Nairobi United and Zoo FC on Sunday, August 6th, 2023.

Nation journalist John Njoroge speaks to the media on August 7, 2023, after an attack by football fans during a match between Nairobi United and Zoo FC. /YOUTUBE.NAKURU TODAY

"It has come to our attention that Photographer John Njoroge, a distinguished member of the Nation Media Group, was subjected to an unacceptable and deplorable act of harassment by a group of fans," the letter by SJAK Secretary-General, Moses Wakhisi, read in part to FKF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Barry Otieno.

According to SJAK, the individuals went on to demand the deletion of recorded footage, particularly related to a pitch invasion and even went so far as to attempt the forceful confiscation of his camera.

"This incident egregiously violates the fundamental rights of journalists and stands as a challenge that we believe warrants your immediate attention and intervention.

"We urgently implore the Football Kenya Federation to take stern and unambiguous measures against the individuals responsible for this reprehensible act, as well as the club so as to underscore the gravity of their fans' behaviour," added SJAK.

The sports journalists' body further noted that Njoroge reported the incident to Central Police Station in Nakuru with the goal of cracking down on the individuals responsible for orchestrating his mistreatment.

Wakhisi however slammed Otieno for failing to address the matter promptly, calling for the bodies to unite to put a stop to the harassment of journalists especially those covering local sports events.

"We, however, beseech your unwavering commitment to addressing this matter with the urgency and gravity it deserves. Let us unite to send a clear message that harassment of journalists, particularly within the realm of sports, will not be tolerated.

"The sanctity of press freedom and the security of journalists are essential tenets of our democratic society and must be rigorously upheld," added Wakhisi.

SJAK added that it was looking forward to FKF's prompt action and assurance that the football governing body in Kenya will take resolute steps to rectify this situation and ensure a safer environment for sports journalists in the future.

On July 17, 2022, another Nation Media sports journalist, reporter Cecil Odongo was attacked alongside photojournalist Tonny Omondi and driver Laban Shivogo while they had gone to cover a National Super League (NSL) match between Muhoroni Youth and champions Administration Police Service (APS) Bomet.

The trio, working for the newspaper under NMG, were forced to seek safety after the Muhoroni Youth chairman Moses Adagala attacked them at the Muhoroni Sub-County Stadium in Kisumu County, moments before the game.

They had approached the gate of the stadium before they were accosted by Adagala who was in the company of youths who had appeared intoxicated.

The brazen incident was reminiscent of a similar one where NTV journalist Zacchaeus Mwasame was attacked by goons on November 7, 2021, at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County while covering a match between Kakamega Homeboyz and Bandari FC.