On Sunday, chaos erupted at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii County during a highly anticipated FKF Premier League match between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC. What began as a spirited face-off between two passionate teams escalated into violent clashes between rival fans, leaving several people injured and disrupting what was meant to be a showcase of Kenyan football excellence.
Witness accounts confirm that tensions began brewing hours before the match started. Supporters of both Gor Mahia and Shabana FC flooded the stadium premises early in the day, chanting team anthems and waving flags. Local security forces had deployed personnel to monitor crowd movement, but the number of fans overwhelmed available resources. Friction reportedly intensified at the gates, where rival chants turned into verbal abuse and physical confrontations.
The situation reached a boiling point midway through the match. After a contentious refereeing decision that favored Gor Mahia, some Shabana FC fans stormed toward the pitch, hurling projectiles and attempting to break past security barricades. In retaliation, sections of Gor Mahia supporters engaged them physically, leading to an all-out brawl in the stands. Chairs were ripped from their bolts and used as weapons. Tear gas was fired by police to disperse the unruly crowd.
Local medical teams and Red Cross volunteers stationed near the venue responded swiftly to the unfolding crisis. According to reports, at least 11 people sustained injuries, including five with serious head wounds and two minors trampled in the panic. Emergency services transported the seriously injured to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed they had set up an emergency triage center outside the stadium to attend to minor injuries.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) released a statement strongly condemning the violence and vowing to launch a full investigation. FKF President Nick Mwendwa urged both clubs to cooperate in identifying the instigators and emphasized the need to uphold discipline among fans. The Kisii County Commissioner also announced that a task force would be formed to review stadium security protocols and hold those responsible for the breakdown accountable.
Both clubs have issued separate statements expressing regret over the incident. Gor Mahia FC acknowledged that while fan passion is a vital part of the game, violence has no place in football. Shabana FC called for calm and unity among their supporters and promised to work closely with security authorities to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
This incident has reignited public discourse on the safety of sports infrastructure in Kenya. The Gusii Stadium, although iconic in local football culture, has long been criticized for inadequate seating, poor evacuation routes, and lack of proper surveillance systems. Fans have repeatedly expressed frustration with overcrowding and uncoordinated gate access, which often become flashpoints for chaos.
The National Police Service (NPS) has announced it will review CCTV footage and amateur videos posted online to identify and arrest culprits involved in the violence. In a press briefing, a police spokesperson stated that no stone would be left unturned and that individuals caught inciting violence will be prosecuted under public order and sports regulations.
While FKF has not announced any suspension or rescheduling of upcoming matches, insiders suggest that future fixtures involving high-risk rivalries may be moved to better-equipped venues or played behind closed doors. Club officials, stadium managers, and FKF representatives are expected to convene this week for an emergency stakeholders’ meeting.
