The Ministry of Interior has called on fans attending CHAN 2024 matches in Kenya to adhere strictly to CAF safety regulations or risk jeopardizing Kenya’s chances of hosting future international tournaments.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo emphasized the importance of fan conduct, especially during Harambee Stars fixtures at the Kasarani Stadium. His remarks followed a Ksh 2.5 million fine slapped on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) by CAF over crowd control failures during Kenya’s clash with DR Congo last Sunday.
“This tournament is our audition for hosting AFCON 2027,” Omollo said. “Each match is an opportunity to show that Kenya can stage Africa’s biggest football event. But no matter how modern our stadiums are, they mean little if our fans don’t cooperate with security teams on the ground.”
Omollo stressed that acts such as jumping barriers, igniting fires, and obstructing CAF officials reflect poorly on Kenya’s football culture and civility. He warned that such actions, even outside stadiums, could attract further penalties or disqualify the country from future hosting rights.
“CAF and other stakeholders are closely watching—not just the games, but the entire fan experience and security management. Let’s match our patriotism with responsibility,” he added.
CAF’s Safety Officer’s report flagged multiple violations from the Kenya-DR Congo match. These included:
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A stampede at Gate 11
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Unauthorized access to Public Safety Areas (PSA)
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A motorbike weaving dangerously through crowds
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Fires lit by fans behind Block 18
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National police reportedly obstructing CAF staff and even a South African presidential security official from accessing the VVIP section
As a result, CAF imposed three fines on FKF:
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Ksh 644,500 (USD 5,000) for the stampede and restricted access breach
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Ksh 1,289,000 (USD 10,000) for the obstruction and assault of CAF officials and guests
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An official warning over the fire incident
All fines must be paid within 60 days.
CAF also cited an earlier FKF offence during Morocco’s game against Angola, issuing a separate Ksh 644,500 fine—half of which is suspended unless FKF avoids further violations during CHAN 2024.
The disciplinary developments come just hours before Harambee Stars take on Angola in their second Group A match, scheduled for 7 PM at the same venue—Kasarani.
The Ministry has urged fans to uphold discipline as a show of patriotism and national pride, noting that how Kenya hosts CHAN will be crucial in CAF’s assessment ahead of the 2027 AFCON bid decision.
