Fresh headache for Kenya as goons vandalise Nyayo Stadium

With barely one month remaining before the long-delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Kenya’s preparations to co-host the event has suffered a fresh blow after Nyayo Stadium, which is set to host several matches, was destroyed by goons who infiltrated the first anniversary of those killed during last year’s protests by Gen Z.

The stadium, which had already been renovated and approved by the African Football governing body CAF, suffered ‘serious’ damage, according to Sports Stadia Public Relations Manager Rakki Asman.

Asman stated that several items were stolen, and the swimming pool complex was damaged, as the glass panes were also broken.

“It is true, Nyayo Stadium suffered serious damage during the protests. The extent of the damage is being assessed before a report is released. The glass panes of the main stadium were broken, and several items were stolen. The swimming pool complex building was also damaged, and goods which were in the restaurant housed at the complex were also stolen,” he told local media.

The protesters gained entry to Nyayo through the uncompleted perimetre wall, which was to be handed over after completion by the contractors on Wednesday, June 25, as earlier affirmed by the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya; the day when the damage was reported, raising queries on why the construction had not been completed.

The contractor had brought down the old Nyayo Stadium Wall and started building a new one, as CAF listed the wall construction among the key requirements for the facility to be cleared to host the CHAN matches.

This is even as the government has again failed to meet the Wednesday deadline for the completion of the renovations, which has marked the delay of the competition to August, stretching from February.

Addressing the Press early this month, Mvurya had promised that the contractors and the Ministry had agreed that the work would be completed by Wednesday, vowing that the deadline would be met without failure.

“We have agreed with the contractors that the handover for Kasarani, Nyayo, Ulinzi Complex, and Police Sacco stadium shall be on 25. Everyone is working towards the deadline,” the CS had earlier on stated.

Kenyans are waiting to hear from the CS how the government plans to overcome the fresh headache.

Kenya alongside Uganda and Tanzania won the rights to co-host the tournament, which features locally-based players, marking the first time it is being held in the East African region.

The three countries will also co-host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.

Kenya’s delay in ensuring match and training venues are ready on time has already cost the country after CAF moved Group D matches featuring Senegal, Congo, Sudan and Nigeria to Zanzibar.

In the first round, Kenya will now only host Group A matches which will also feature Morocco, Angola, DR Congo and Zambia.

Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani will also host the finals.