The government has issued a stern warning to Kenyan football fans ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Thursday matches.
Omollo has urged fans to strictly adhere to security protocols or risk compromising the country’s standing with the Confederation of African Football.
The CHAN tournament, being co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, started on August 2, 2025.
Speaking on national preparations, Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo said that while hosting CHAN 2024 is a moment of pride, it comes with a heavy national responsibility, and fan behaviour is now under scrutiny.
“It is a proud moment for Kenya as a world-renowned sporting nation,” he said.
“But our conduct as fans has serious national implications.”
His warning comes after a breach was witnessed on Sunday afternoon. Fans overpowered security officers and forced their way into the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium.
Football enthusiasts gathered to witness the highly anticipated CHAN 2024 match between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and the Leopards of DR Congo.
Hundreds of fans were seen storming the stadium as security personnel attempted to stop them.
However, they were overpowered as the crowds jumped over barriers to gain entry in large numbers.
CAF has imposed stringent conditions on crowd safety, conduct, and security management during CHAN matches.
Breaches of these standards, including incidents that occur outside the stadiums, could result in formal warnings, financial penalties, or even disqualification from future tournament bids.
In a statement on Thursday, Omollo said the Federation provides clear conditions on fan safety, security protocols, and crowd conduct.
“Any breaches—even outside the stadium can result in consequences, including disqualification from future bids," he said.
The warning comes as Kenya positions itself as a leading contender to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. According to the Ministry of Interior, CHAN 2024 is effectively a test run for the bigger tournament.
“CHAN is our audition for hosting the AFCON 2027 tournament. Every match is an opportunity to prove we can host Africa’s biggest football event,” Omollo noted.
While Kenya has invested heavily in stadium upgrades and infrastructure, Omollo emphasised that such efforts could be rendered meaningless by disorderly fan behaviour.
“Our stadium upgrades mean little if our fans do not cooperate with the security and stewards on the ground,” he added.
He pointed to incidents such as jumping barriers, vandalism, or clashing with security as examples of behaviour that undermines the country's reputation and could derail years of preparation.
“Such actions damage our reputation, international standing and our ability to host future tournaments,” he said.
The Ministry is now calling on fans to take personal responsibility during the tournament. This includes buying tickets early, arriving on time, observing security instructions, and maintaining order throughout match days.
“Buy your ticket early, show up for the game on time, wear your desired colours, cheer your heart out and support our national team, Harambee Stars,” said Omollo.
“Let us not allow a few negative incidents to ruin the efforts of thousands.”
With CAF observers and international media expected at every match, Kenya’s performance off the pitch could weigh just as heavily as on-field results.
“Our success depends on collective discipline,” Omollo said.
“Security teams are working tirelessly. Let us support them by cooperating and observing the protocols and directives they give us.”
“The whole world is watching; let’s represent ourselves well.”
