Wakenya tusichome mechi! Ruto's plea ahead of Sunday's clash

President William Ruto Friday, made a passionate appeal to Kenyans to maintain calm, order, and respect for regulations during the Sunday’s CHAN clash between Harambee Stars and Zambia at Kasarani Stadium.

Ruto urged fans to strictly adhere to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules, warning that disorder could jeopardise Kenya’s image as a trusted host nation.

“Mimi nawaomba wakenya, tafadhali tusichome mechi, tuhakikishe kwamba tunafuata taratibu kuambatana na sheria za CAF,” he said.

 (I ask all Kenyans, please, let us not ruin this match. We must follow CAF procedures.

He assured fans that the Nairobi County Government and the Ministry of Sports will establish fan zones across the city and in other parts of the country, fitted with big screens for live viewing.

This, he said, is to ensure inclusivity and ensure those who do not have tickets also get an opportunity to watch.

He also lauded Kenyans for their unwavering support for the national team but called for restraint. 

“Those with tickets must be orderly, and those without will still enjoy the match from fan spaces. Let us protect our team’s and our country’s chances,” he urged.

Highlighting the significance of the event, Ruto said hosting CHAN for the first time marks a historic milestone and a stepping stone to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host.

“We are upping our game to ensure Kenya plays in the right league of sporting nations,” he added.

His plea follows that of the Local Organising Committee chairperson, Nicholas Musonye, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, including Harambee Stars players.

A total of six official fan zones have been set up in Nairobi in a bid to curb overcrowding at Kasarani.

The designated fan zones will be located at Uhuru Park (CBD), Lucky Summer–Ngomo area (behind Kasarani Stadium), Dandora Stadium, Utalii (Stima Club), Jacaranda Grounds, and Kibera DC Grounds.

“These fan zones will bring the stadium atmosphere closer to the people, while helping us manage attendance at Kasarani in line with CAF’s requirements,” Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said. 

Big screens will be placed at each of the locations to give fans without tickets a safe and organised way to watch the game.

Mvurya also assured that all these venues will be secured by adequate police officers to maintain order and safety. 

The move to create the zones follows a high-level security meeting on Wednesday attended by CAF Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and senior security officials.

The decision comes in the wake of chaotic scenes during Kenya’s group-stage clash against Morocco on August 10. 

The thrilling victory for the hosts was overshadowed by security lapses, gates were broken, ticketless fans forced entry, restricted areas were breached, and overcrowding reached dangerous levels. Outside the venue, tear gas was reportedly used to control crowds.

CAF responded by fining the Football Kenya Federation Sh6.45 million (USD 50,000) over safety breaches and warning that repeat incidents could see national team matches relocated or Kenya barred from hosting in the future. 

Additional penalties for earlier lapses in the DR Congo match included Sh644,500 for stampede and unauthorised entry, and Sh1.29 million for the assault and obstruction of CAF officials and guests.

Under CAF’s fresh directives, stadium attendance for Sunday’s game has been capped at 60 per cent capacity, about 27,000 fans, with entry strictly limited to holders of digital tickets. 

Thermal-printed tickets have been banned, and the Local Organising Committee has been ordered to run a public awareness campaign on the new rules.