Editor’s note: Why NMG won't cover FKF leagues

On Saturday, our journalists were barred from gaining entry into the Nyayo National Stadium to cover the BetKing Premier League match between Gor Mahia and Ulinzi Stars.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) placed policemen at sentry under firm instructions not to let in journalists from Nation Media Group, Royal Media Services, The Standard Group, Radio Africa Group, inter alia.

Only journalists hand-picked by FKF were allowed in, with federation officials keen on sweeping under the carpet the current contractual impasse between them and, among other clubs, champions Gor Mahia over the controversial league broadcast deal with Chinese pay television concern StarTimes.

Happening, ironically, at a time Kenyans are celebrating 57 years of independence, the federation’s decision flies in the face of basic principles of hard-earned press freedom.

It also renders millions of fans unable to follow the progress of their favourite teams through media coverage, especially as the league matches are being played without spectators to guard against the possible spread of the coronavirus.

Subsequently, we at the Nation Media Group have decided to withdraw our cross-platform coverage of all BetKing Premier League matches and any other activity related to the FKF, including the Betika Super League, Women’s Premier League and FKF age-group tournament engagements, until normalcy resumes and our journalists granted unfettered access to all these leagues and other public engagements by the federation.

The Nation Media Group Editorial Director Mutuma Mathiu maintains that the Group will settle for nothing less than respect for our journalists, their rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.

We regret the inconvenience caused to our readers and viewers.