By KPC Sports Reporter
The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has strongly condemned the physical assault of sports journalist Ruckiel Odikor at Nyayo National Stadium during the HSBC Rugby SVNS Series.
Odikor, a member of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), was attacked while on duty, an incident that has ignited widespread concern over press freedom and the safety of journalists in Kenya.
“No breach of protocol, disagreement, or misunderstanding can justify the use of physical force against a journalist. Violence is not crowd control. Assault is not enforcement,” KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said in a statement sent to KPC.
The Guild underscored that accountability for such acts rests squarely with event organisers and their contracted security providers.
Kananu, emphasised: “An attack on a journalist is an attack on the public’s right to know.”
She added that the Guild will not hesitate to intervene wherever intimidation, harassment, or violence threatens media workers.
The Guild has demanded a transparent investigation, public disclosure of findings, and disciplinary as well as legal action against those responsible.
It further called for clear assurances from organisers that safeguards will be put in place to prevent recurrence.
SJAK echoed the condemnation, noting that Odikor sustained injuries and damage to her equipment.
“Media freedom is not negotiable. Journalists must be guaranteed a safe working environment,” SJAK said, urging reforms in event security protocols.
In a story carried by Kisii Press Club, SJAK described the incident as “a chilling reminder of the shrinking space for journalists in Kenya.”