Gangs attack Gor fans over city hooliganism

By HUDSON GUMBIHI

K’Ogalo fans are under threat over football hooliganism.

Recent reports indicate that armed gangs are attacking Gor fans in the city after matches.

In the recent weeks several reports of attacks of Nairobians with the club’s jerseys have been reported. But the police are blaming a section of Gor fans for their notoriety.

Police are furious that the fans have continuously sent Nairobians in a panic mode whenever their gangs enter the city after football matches.

They are now warning them that their next course of action will be tough. During the week Central police chief Patrick Oduma accused Gor Mahia fans of causing violence whenever their team plays in the city.

Oduma said they have recorded complaints from victims attacked by frenzied Gor followers returning from either Nyayo or City stadium.

He was reacting to reports that gangs are now attacking anybody perceived to be a K’Ogalo supporter. A police officer is one of the victims of thuggery pitting Gor Mahia fans and gangs armed with crude weapons. The policeman had just attended a match when he was attacked on River Road.

“I was wearing the Gor jersey when five men confronted me, my colleague, who was not in Gor uniform was not harmed,” said the officer, who is recovering from stab wounds inflicted in March.

Oduma said motorists are the hardest hit whenever Gor had a match in the city.

“They stone motorists especially on Landhies Road. I have personally talked to Sam Nyamweya (Football Kenya chairman) and Robert Asembo (FKF vice chairman) over the matter but nothing seems to have changed,” noted the officer.

He said the hooliganism has angered some traders in the city, citing several occasions when police have acted to avert bloodshed.

“There was a day traders ganged up and were preparing to attack but we prevented them,” said Oduma. There are also claims that traders at the Muthurwa market were unleashing terror on harmless Gor Mahia fans. Club secretary general George Bwana wondered whether wearing a Gor jersey was a crime. He accused police of shifting blame over their failures.

“It is very simple, police must provide security. If people are breaking the law, they must be arrested and prosecuted, it is not the duty of the club,” he stressed.