There was chaos at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday, as police engaged football fans in running battles before a Kenya Premier League game.
The fans, affiliated with league giants Gor Mahia, reportedly attempted to gain unlawful access to the stadium to watch their team take on Bidco United in their opening league game of the season.
Photos and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed several fans in green shirts scaling a fence in the outer gate of the stadium in broad daylight.
The fans then made their way to the main entrance at the end of the facility, where they met police officers, who attempted to disperse them using teargas canisters.
What ensued was a running battle, with a section of the stadium engulfed in smoke as tens of fans ran for safety as police chased them down.
It remains unclear why they were initially denied access to the stadium, although there are several suggestions that hundreds of fans wanted to watch the game despite not having tickets.
A quick spot check at the ticketing prices for the game revealed that regular tickets were going for Ksh300, while those who wished to watch the game on the VIP seats would have to part ways with Ksh1000.
Gor Mahia have arguably the most passionate fans in the country, although their enthusiasm for the game has in some occassions culminated in chaos in recent months.
In June, there was chaos at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, June 29, as authorities were forced to hurl tear gas canisters to disperse a group of rowdy fans.
The chaos followed shortly after Nairobi United made history with a 2-1 win over outgoing champions Gor Mahia to win the Mozzart Bet Cup.
Prior to that, in May, several fans were left nursing injuries before the anticipated Kenya Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia, after a stampede erupted from the stands at the Gusii Stadium.
Part of the reason Gor Mahia fans were eager to watch their team on Sunday was that some wanted to assess the squad's performance ahead of the new season, following K’Ogalo’s title loss to Police FC in the 2024/2025 campaign.
