Concerns over press freedom are mounting after a journalist was forcefully removed from a rugby tournament at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on February 15th. Media stakeholders are now demanding accountability from the Kenya Rugby Union.
CCTV footage captures the moment journalist Ruckiel Odikor, popularly known as Rix is escorted out of Nyayo Stadium while covering the HSBC SVNS 2 rugby tournament.
Moments before her removal, Odikor is heard saying she would come down by herself appearing to cooperate before being led away by security personnel.
Rix, who is a social media sports content creator and the owner of Sports Eye media company, had been reporting from the same section of the stadium a day earlier without any concern from the security personnel. This raises questions about access protocols, enforcement, and communication.
In a strongly worded statement, the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya condemned the incident, calling it unacceptable and a threat to press freedom and the safety of journalists performing their duties. The association is demanding accountability and clearer protections for reporters covering public events
In response, the Kenya Rugby Union says it has launched investigations into what transpired on February 15th and is reviewing stadium security procedures. The union says appropriate action will follow once internal processes are complete and has pledged to engage relevant stakeholders.
The matter remains under investigation. But the confrontation has reignited debate over media access, security conduct, and the protection of journalists in the line of duty.
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