Several football fans were left nursing injuries on Sunday, May 4, hours before the highly anticipated Kenya Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia, after a stampede erupted from the stands at the Gusii Stadium.
Tensions were high before the match as the two teams headed into the game with everything at stake, with just two points separating third-placed Gor from the home side Shabana, who sit in fourth place on the table.
One of the clearest signs that the game would be fiery right from the stands was the fact that the Gusii Stadium was completely packed hours before the game.
A mixture of tension and excitement ahead of the game briefly threatened to derail the occasion, as videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed mild scuffles in the stands, presumably between rival fans.
Further reports indicate that amid the scuffle, a stampede erupted, leaving several fans injured and needing medical treatment.
Some of the injured fans were quickly taken to a standby ambulance, but with dozens hurt, it wasn’t enough, forcing others to be rushed directly to the hospital.
Besides the stampede, Gor and Shabana fans were also spotted hurling stones at each other's stand, resulting in more panic in the crowd.
Amid the clashes, several fans invaded the pitch in an attempt to run away from the chaos at the stands, with stewards also running for their lives.
By 1pm, tensions were high and there were doubts about the highly anticipated clash taking place, as Gor Mahia players were yet to enter the pitch for their warm-up.
At the time of publication of this article, reports indicate one person succumbed to injuries from the chaos at the Gusii Stadium.
The issue of fracas during high-profile football matches in the country has been prevalent in recent weeks, with a separate incident seeing a journalist assaulted during a match between Gor Mahia and Mara Sugar on Sunday, April 27.
The alleged assault left the journalist hospitalised, prompting The Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) to write to the Football Kenya Federation.
