Stay away from Kasarani if you don't have tickets - Murkomen

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged Kenyans to buy tickets and support Harambee Stars. [Screengrab]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has appealed to football fans to avoid attending matches at Kasarani Stadium without tickets, warning that overcrowding could trigger a security crisis.

Speaking on Tuesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary said exceeding the stadium's capacity would not only risk public safety but could also jeopardise Kenya's chances of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He urged Kenyans to respect the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules, including the 60% capacity limit imposed on the venue.

"Let us buy tickets as required and support our team within the law," he said.

To ease pressure on the stadium, the CS proposed that the Sports Ministry, Nairobi County, and other governors set up large screens in public parks across the country for fans to watch and celebrate together.

"This is just but a curtain-raiser. The real deal is 2027 when we host AFCON," he said, noting that the last time Kenya hosted such a major tournament was in 1987.

The National Police Service said it is deploying adequate officers to enforce CAF directives and prevent unticketed fans from accessing the stadium.

"We value the fans as the 12th player, but we must protect our country, our team and our integrity," the CS said.

The restrictions follow CAF's directive to limit attendance to 27,000 after a series of security lapses during Harambee Stars matches.