Sports Journalists Threaten FKF Match Boycott Over Police Assault Allegations
Kenyan sports journalists vow to boycott FKF events after three reporters were allegedly assaulted by police at Nyayo Stadium during FKF Super Cup.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 24, 2026
2 min read
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has issued a stern warning of a total boycott of all Football Kenya Federation (FKF) events unless urgent action is taken following the alleged assault of three sports journalists by police officers at Nyayo National Stadium.
The incident occurred on August 23, 2026, during the FKF Super Cup match between Tusker FC and Gor Mahia, which Tusker won 3-1. Reporters Hesbon Nyamari of Sporty FM, Brandon Asiema, and Gad Isaac were reportedly attacked by uniformed police while covering the event.
Nyamari described the encounter as an attempted abduction, highlighting ongoing harassment faced by journalists on duty. SJAK condemned the actions, emphasizing that the journalists were clearly accredited and performing their roles professionally.
Concerns Over Journalist Safety and Press Freedom
SJAK expressed alarm that law enforcement officers, responsible for maintaining order, instead targeted media personnel. This marks the second time police have allegedly assaulted sports journalists during FKF matches, raising serious safety concerns.
The association cited Articles 33 and 34 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantee freedom of the press, warning that such violence undermines democracy and transparency in sports coverage.
Demands and Call for Multi-Stakeholder Forum
SJAK has called on the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to promptly investigate and prosecute those responsible. The association also urged FKF, MCK, and security agencies to convene a forum to establish enforceable safety protocols for journalists at sporting venues.
Failure to meet these demands will prompt a nationwide boycott of FKF-organized matches by sports media professionals.
FKF Condemns Violence, Pledges Investigation
The FKF condemned all violence and disruptions following the match, noting that tear gas was deployed after Gor Mahia supporters stormed the pitch, interrupting the trophy presentation. FKF vowed to collaborate with authorities to identify and sanction those culpable, stressing zero tolerance for misconduct by any party.
The match served as a season opener, with Gor Mahia preparing for the CAF Champions League and Tusker entering the CAF Confederation Cup.
