Football Kenya Federation chairman Nyamweya pledges to discipline rogue fans

By GILBERT WANDERA

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has said it will take stern action against fans who  invaded the pitch on Saturday and beat up Sony Sugar players during a GOtv Shield semi-final match against Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium.

The federation’s chairman Sam Nyamweya said they are committed to rooting out hooliganism and will not spare anyone.

“We will not tolerate hooliganism in any way and will take appropriate action on this latest incident. We were doing very well until this happened but remain determined to root out such behavior completely,” he said.

The statement came even as Sony Sugar announced they will seek legal redress against Gor Mahia demanding compensation after fans injured their players.

Sony chairman Christopher Odero said: “It is obvious the federation and all those committees are not serious in reigning hooliganism especially where Gor is concerned.

“We are biting the bullet irrespective of what happens to us. On Tuesday we will go to court and demand that Gor be barred from taking part in the tournament. We will seek for an injunction stopping the event until such a time that we are compensated.

He added: “After what happened on Saturday, our position that it was Gor Mahia fans who caused trouble during our botched Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match four weeks ago in Awendo is strengthened.”

He said Benson Waiswa, one of the players who was injured, will be transferred to Nairobi Hospital for specialised treatment.

“He is bleeding from his nose and ears meaning that he could have raptured a vital organ. We have to transfer him to a major hospital for specialised treatment. He said further tests are also being carried out on goalkeeper Wycliff Kasaya.

Gor won the match 4-2 on post-match penalties but violence broke out immediately after the final whistle when Gor fans descended on Sony players and appeared to specifically target Kasaya.

Four weeks ago a match involving the two clubs was abandoned in Awendo after Gor scored the second goal. The matter is yet to be decided upon as the appeals committee of FKF is expected to issue a ruling later this week.                                                                       

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