Former Sports CS reacts to football hooliganism

The Gor Mahia fan running onto the pitch with a rock in her hand. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Following the Sunday afternoon incident at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Chief Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya Ababu Namwamba has condemned the act in the strongest terms.

Namwamba, who from 2012 to 2013 served as the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, took swipe at hooligans who attend the football match in the pretence of fans- only to turn on players and club officials.

The former CS joined other football lovers in condemning the incident, tweeting; “Hooliganism in any form anywhere is a NO NO NO! Poleni Vihiga Bullets players, coaching staff and football fans affected by this reprehensible mayhem.”

 This happened during the match between Vihiga Bullets vs Gor Mahia when a K’Ogalo fan attacked a fan who had entered the stadium without paying the mandatory gate charges of kshs 200 which led to a scuffle.

A fan identified as Odhiambo beats up another fan, which ignited rage amongst others on the terraces who joined the fray.

Gor Mahia fans invade the pitch after chaos ensued outside the MISC Kasarani Stadium during their FKF Premier League clash against Vihiga Bullets on February 13, 2022 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

 The fight spilled onto the pitch forcing Bullets players to retreat to their bus for their safety.

The Vihiga county-based team declined to take the second half of the game citing insecurity with the team’s tactician Abdalla Juma blaming Gor for the incident.

 “We had to protect our players. If Gor fans can fight amongst themselves, it shows even worse might happen to us,” said Juma.

Gor Mahia were one goal ahead of visitors courtesy of George Odhiambo in the first half.

 The Green Army are now staring at sanctions from the Football Federation of Kenya (FKF) which may include damage cost and a ban on using the facility.

The fate of the game will be decided by the FKF.