Blackout threat: sports journalists demand action after police brutality at Tusker-Gor Mahia clash

Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) have threatened to boycott covering all sports events in the country following a violent incident at Nyayo National Stadium during the FKF Super Cup clash between Tusker FC and Gor Mahia.

The match, which ended in a 3–1 victory for Tusker FC, was severely marred by police violence directed at clearly identified and accredited media personnel.

Three journalists; Brandon Asiema, Hesbon Nyamari Osugo, and Gad Isaac, were unprovokedly assaulted by uniformed police officers while performing their constitutionally protected duties.

SJAK expressed outrage over the incident, noting that this marks the second time sports journalists have been targeted by law enforcement during a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) match.

The association highlighted failure by security personnel and match organizers to protect the press, warning that such attacks directly violate press freedoms guaranteed under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution of Kenya.

The association’s reducible minimums include, immediate action by the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to swiftly arrest, investigate, and prosecute the officers involved.

Secondly the association demands, an urgent meeting between the NPS, FKF, Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and media representatives to establish enforceable safety protocols for sports venues.

If the FKF and security agencies fail to organize the safety forum and provide verifiable guarantees for the media’s safety, SJAK warned it will issue a full blackout call to all sports journalists, photographers, and broadcast crews across Kenya.

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