Why Harambee Stars risk playing future CHAN matches away from Kasarani

Harambee Stars risks playing its matches away from home if it goes beyond the group stage following a series of breaches of Confederation of Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations during matches at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

This was announced by the continental football governing body in the wake of violations witnessed during Sunday’s 1-0 win against Morocco’s Atlas Lions on Sunday , which has forced it to limit the number of fans who will access the stadium during the next match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Sunday, August 17, to  only 27,000 fans or 60 per cent of its 48,000 capacity.

CAF also reiterated that entry shall only be permitted to those with electronic tickets, as those with thermal tickets shall be prohibited.

“Following repeated and serious security lapses during Kenya’s home matches at Kasarani Stadium, CAF has decided to impose immediate measures for upcoming fixtures in Kasarani involving the Host Nation. Despite multiple warnings and previous sanctions, the necessary measures to control ticketless spectators, ensure effective crowd management, and fully comply with CAF security requirements have not been implemented,” CAF stated.

Among the breaches cited by CAF include overrunning of stadium gates and PSAs (Public Stadium Authorities) by ticketless spectators and holders of physical tickets distributed by the government, breaches of the perimetre fence, and loss of control at exit points.

The confederation also pointed out the crowd control failure at Ngomongo roundabout, which resulted in uncontrolled access through multiple gates.

It also noted the use of tear gas and flash grenades, with reports of live ammunition fired near spectators and staff.

The confederation also claimed that violent incidents, including throwing stones at security personnel, and unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas, were witnessed during the game.

In addition, CAF said there was an inadequate police response despite repeated requests for intervention, and there were no medical incident reports following the reported injuries.

Additionally, the confederation noted that there were insufficient communication tools and there was a lack of CCTV coverage at critical entry points.

In a statement, CAF called on the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the government will launch a public media campaign to reinforce safety protocols and entry requirements.

“CAF expects full and immediate compliance with these directives. Failure to implement them may result in more serious sanctions, which may include the consideration of alternative venues for future matches of the Host Team. We trust these measures will be applied swiftly to protect competition’s integrity, ensure fan safety, and uphold confidence in Kenya’s commitment to the Tournament,” CAF stated.

On Monday, Moohk Africa, the official online tickets sales platform, suspended the purchase of the Sunday match tickets until it gets further directions from the organisers.

With the current CAF directive, the ticket sales are set to be highly monitored.

During Sunday’s match, hundreds of Kenyan football fans broke barriers to enter the stadium yet they claimed to be having tickets while others forcefully entered through one of the gates as security guards helplessly watched.

The supporters, who were dressed in jerseys chanted as made their way inside before being stopped. They later claimed they were turned away after being told their tickets had already been scanned, a problem believed to stem from individuals buying tickets in bulk and reselling counterfeit copies to unsuspecting buyers.

This has resulted in the online sale of genuine tickets ending several days before match days involving Harambee Stars.

On match days, a thriving resale market operates outside Kasarani, with rogue vendors openly selling passes.
Official ticket prices are Sh200 for regular, Sh500 for VIP, and Sh1,000 for VVIP, each valid for a single match during the month-long tournament.

Victims have reported paying between Sh300 and Sh1,000 for fake tickets.

Due to the frustrations, some supporters resorted to jumping over the perimeter fence to enter the stadium illegally during Harambee Stars’ opening match against DR Congo’s Leopards last Sunday.

Despite a heavy security presence, several managed to breach the venue, causing a near stampede. Other breaches included fans igniting fires inside the stadium, denial of access to the VVIP for CAF staff and protocol officers by State Security, including a member of South African President’s Close Security Unit.

A Falcon Private Security guard also allegedly assaulted a CAF commercial staff member and a sponsor representative.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was subsequently fined Sh2.5 million (US$15,000) for various breaches during the first matches held at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums.

While CAF suspended payment of Sh3 million (US$2,500) fine for crowd trouble on condition similar breaches do not recur during the remainder of the tournament, FKF is now set to pay and even face harsher sanctions for the latest violations.