SUNDAY IS DERBY TIME: But security concerns remain even as KPL say 'let us not dwell on negative aspect'

Fans- Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards

October 23, 2010, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards clashed at the Nyayo National Stadium. AFC Leopards had just returned to the league from relegation the previous year while Gor Mahia were riding high chasing the league title.

Fans came in their thousands, braving the heavy downpour that had hit Nairobi, to watch the derby.

As the match kicked off at 7pm, hundreds of fans were still pushing their way into the stadium when hell broke loose. A stampede ensued leaving five fans dead.

Exactly six years on on Saturday, the two most followed football clubs in Kenya clash at Nyayo Stadium with the issue of security still unresolved.

Kenyan Premier League Limited commissioned top security company G4S to come up with a strategy that would ensure the stadia is safe but none of their recommendations have been fulfilled.

KPL’s Head of Safety and Security GMT Ottieno says what happened six years ago is now in the past.

“Let us not dwell on the negative aspect of it. Yes, we lost lives but we have moved on and we are doing our best to ensure there is proper security during the derby and in all other matches,” said GMT.

On Sunday, GMT says there will be 200 uniformed police officers plus three platoons of GSU officers who will also be supplemented by stewards from the home team AFC Leopards.

But is that enough?

Previously, a similar number of officers have been deployed for the derby yet chaos have erupted.

Last season, the second leg ended in chaos after AFC Leopards fans invaded the pitch after Gor Mahia were awarded a penalty. The match did not end.

“We have learnt from the past and we will make this one a peaceful derby. All is in place and we will give a detailed security plan on Friday,” said GMT.

The families of the victims of the October 23, 2010 stampede are still awaiting for answers as the recommendations from G4S gather dust, but hooliganism remains rife in Kenyan football and especially during the derby.

Last Sunday’s chaos that erupted at the Nyayo Stadium when Gor Mahia lost to Muhoroni Youth was a wake up call to KPL on their preparedness to deal with insecurity.

GMT himself was engaged in an altercation with Gor Mahia stewards after fans invaded the pitch with their side losing.

Internal issues at Gor Mahia are already providing good fodder for chaos while at the same time Ingwe’s poor showing so far in the league has not gone down well with their fans.

Both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are bad losers and the fans respond to poor performance with chaos.

All eyes are now on KPL.