The Kenya Editors Guild has condemned the physical assault of journalist Ruckiel Odikor at Nyayo National Stadium during the final day of the HSBC Rugby SVNS Series on Sunday, terming the incident unacceptable and inexcusable. The Guild said the attack raises serious concerns about the safety of media workers covering public events.
In a statement released on February 20, 2025, KEG described the assault on Odikor, who is a member of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya, as a clear breach of media freedom, professional conduct and human dignity.
“No breach of protocol, disagreement, or misunderstanding can justify the use of physical force against a journalist,” the statement read in part. “Violence is not crowd control. Assault is not enforcement.”
The Guild placed responsibility on event organisers and the security teams operating under them, saying they must answer for what happens within their area of control.
“Event organisers and their contracted security service providers bear direct responsibility for the safety and conduct of personnel operating under their authority. They are therefore culpable for acts of violence committed within their operational mandate. Accountability cannot be outsourced,” the Guild said.
KEG called for a swift and open investigation into the incident, urging that the findings be made public and that proper disciplinary or legal steps be taken against those found responsible. It also asked organisers to give firm guarantees that measures will be introduced to stop such cases from happening again.
KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said journalists must be protected while carrying out their duties, especially during major public gatherings.
“Journalists covering public events do so in the public interest. They must be guaranteed a safe working environment. Where there are real or perceived breaches of accreditation or protocol, such matters must be handled professionally, lawfully and without intimidation or force,” she said.
The Guild further reminded authorities that Kenya’s Constitution protects media freedom and the right to seek and share information. It stressed that these rights are active legal guarantees and not mere statements on paper.
“not decorative clauses, they are enforceable protections. An attack on a journalist is an attack on the public’s right to know.”
KEG said it stands in full solidarity with Odikor and the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya, warning that it “will not hesitate to intervene wherever journalists and indeed any citizen exercising their constitutional right to gather and share information face intimidation, harassment or violence.”
The Guild maintained that respect for the media is central to democracy and public accountability, and urged all stakeholders involved in event management to uphold that duty.
