The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) have criticized the decision by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to lock selected journalists out of Saturday league.
The much hyped Gor Mahia and Ulinzi Stars at the Nyayo National Stadium, which was a double header as Jamhuri Day Cup cum Premier league that some media houses have subsequently suspended covering FKF leagues in protest of the federation’s move that saw several journalists ejected from the match venue by policemen under instruction from the federation.
Speaking to Daily Nation, AIPS President Gianni Merlo said the global sports writers’ organisation will defend the independence of journalists.
“We have to fight against these otherwise such officials will use the same system to offer accreditation only to persona grata, or journalists that they like and lock out those critical to these officials,” Merlo.
SJAK has supported the blackout on the league and written to the Media Council of Kenya seeking to have the federation’s decision against journalists addressed.
SJAK Secretary General Mike Okinyi insists that the independence of the media must be upheld at all times.
“The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya is in receipt of complaints from journalists on the conduct of Football Kenya Federation,” the letter says.
“The SJAK executive had an emergency meeting and resolved to seek intervention from the Media Council of Kenya. For the second week now, journalists from various media houses have been barred from covering the league.
Victor Bwire, the Media Council of Kenya’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, confirmed having received SJAK’s protest letter, saying the council will meet and issue an official comment.
Source: Daily Nation