The government has pledged to fully enforce penalties imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), restricting attendance at Kasarani Stadium, in a bid to protect Kenya’s standing and avoid future sanctions.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the State, through the National Police Service, will deploy sufficient officers to ensure that unticketed fans are barred from accessing the stadium during the ongoing continental tournament.
The restrictions follow CAF’s directive to limit attendance to 27,000 after a series of security lapses during Harambee Stars matches.
“We will make sure that proper security is in place so that fans without tickets do not get in. This is to protect our country,” he said during a press conference in Nakuru.
“While we value our supporters, who are rightly called the 12th player, exceeding capacity could cause a massive disaster and pose serious security challenges,” Murkomen said.
He appealed to Kenyans to buy tickets in advance and respect the CAF regulations, warning that flouting them would reflect badly on the nation and potentially harm Harambee Stars’ chances of reaching the finals.
“I would like to beg all Kenyans to avoid going to the stadium, unless you have a ticket, as it is going to reflect badly on us. It is going to give us security problems,” he remarked.
He added that exceeding the capacity of the stadium can easily have a massive disaster and a security challenge “for all of us.”
Murkomen also urged the Ministry of Sports, county governments to set up large public screens in parks and other open spaces across the country.
He said such fan zones would allow supporters to watch and celebrate together while easing pressure on the stadium.
Murkomen particularly urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to work with the ministry to ensure large screens are availed for Nairobians to follow the matches away from the stadium.
“This is about protecting our team, our security and our integrity. Remember, this is just a curtain-raiser,” he stated.
“The real deal is 2027 when we host the Africa Cup of Nations. We do not want to jeopardise that opportunity because of non-compliance.”
The appeal comes amid growing demand for tickets as Harambee Stars advance in the tournament, with authorities keen to balance fan enthusiasm with safety and adherence to international sporting regulations.
With CS were Governor Susan Kihika, woman rep Liza Chelule, MPs Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West), Charity Kathambi (Njoro), Joseph Tonui (Kuresoi South), Alfred Mutai (Kuresoi North), Irene Njoki (Bahati) and Paul Chebor (Rongai) alongside MCAs.
Also with him were the Deputy Inspector General of Police (APS) Gilbert Masengeli, Principal Administrative Secretary- National Administration Beverly Opwora, Secretary of National Administration Moses Lilan, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa, Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati, Regional Administration Police Commander John Amadadi, County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, among other senior government officials.
The Nakuru Jukwaa La Usalama forum marked the conclusion of the Rift Valley edition and the 28th county since its launch.
