One killed as Gor Mahia, Shabana FC fans clash at Gusii stadium

Fans jump over razor wire after Shabana and Gor Mahia supporters clash at Gusii Stadium. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

One person was killed and several others injured on Sunday, after rival fans of Gor Mahia and Shabana FC clashed at Gusii Stadium.

The incident sparking a deadly stampede ahead of their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match.

The violence broke out before the 2 p.m. kickoff, with video footage shared on social media showing rival supporters throwing stones and other objects inside the packed stadium.

The clash triggered panic among fans, who scrambled for exits as police struggled to restore order.

Police eventually quelled the disturbance and helped evacuate injured fans, who were taken to nearby hospitals.

The match, a much-anticipated derby between two of Nyanza region's biggest clubs, went ahead after a one-hour delay.

The stadium was already half full by 8 a.m., with fans singing and chanting in high spirits well before the violence erupted. Organisers said tensions flared as excitement over the derby grew, given both teams' strong form.

Gor Mahia, who have lost only one of their last 15 games, needed a win to keep pace in the league's title race, while Shabana FC, equally impressive in recent outings, hoped to secure a home victory.

The first-leg fixture between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw on December 11, adding to the intensity of Sunday's clash.