KENYA PREMIER LEAGUE:Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans allowed back to stadia after ban is lifted

Gor mahia players celebrates their goal against Tusker during their KPL match at Kasarani stadium on 14-09-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans will be allowed to watch their weekend matches after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) lifted a ban it had slapped on them over incidents of hooliganism.
In a statement yesterday afternoon, FKF said the two clubs had appealed to have the ban on fans lifted and, until this is done and determined, the ban stays suspended.
"Until the appeals are heard and dispensed with, the decision to ban fans from attending the matches shall not be enforced and therefore the supporters are at liberty to attend the respective matches against Muhoroni Youth and Sofapaka," FKF said in a statement.
The federation has been urged to ensure that there are no cases of unruly behaviour during the weekend matches as well as provide adequate security while a final verdict on the appeals will be communicated in due course.
"Arising from decision (1) above, however, the clubs are reminded of their inalienable obligation to ensure their supporters' conduct does not undermine the integrity of football and any contravention of this spirit bears grave consequences.
" Further, we remind the home teams of their duty to provide above board security and take no chances with the safety before, during and after the matches in question.
"A final verdict on the appeals lodged will be communicated in due course after the conclusion of the hearings by the NEC.
"The reasons hereof are in the interest of natural justice, respect for judicial processes and the principle of innocence until proven guilty, the statement concluded.
The decision to lift the ban on fans was announced after a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) yesterday.
Sources said the ban was lifted following intelligence reports that there could be violence if fans were banned in the stadium.
"It would have been more counter-productive to ban the fans from watching the matches. In any case, many of them were planning to travel and would have caused more chaos,"said our source.
Muhoroni Youth chairman Moses Adagala has urged Gor Mahia fans to maintain peace during the match.
"A lot of effort was put to bring the match in Kisumu. I am urging the fans to be disciplined and show restraint," he said. Ticket charges will cost Sh600 for VIP and Sh300 for terraces.
The move came even as KPL executive committee announced it has called a meeting of its executive committee to discuss what it terms as lack of respect from FKF.
"At the KPL Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting this morning the ExCo members all expressed their dismay and concern that over the last two years there has been a growing disrespect by FKF for the rule of law in Kenyan football as well as increasing interference in the established appeals procedures and work of the independent judicial bodies," said a statement from KPL.
"It added: The ExCo members expressed their continuing and full support for the rule of law in Kenyan football and their determination to protect the integrity and reputation of the Kenyan Premier League.
The members also expressed their determination to resist any attempts by non-judicial bodies to undermine or usurp the role and duties of the independent judicial bodies and agreed to convene an urgent meeting of the KPL governing council meeting on Friday morning to discuss the matter."