Kenya has been fined Ksh 1,114,500 (USD 10,000) after Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga breached security protocol during a football match.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed the fine over the DP and Odinga's disregard of football rules during matches.
The two leaders on November 11, met with Harambee Stars players during a match pitting Kenya against Comoros in the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi.
After the match that ended in a draw, Raila and Ruto went on to engage the players accompanied by their bodyguards.
Their decision to interact with the players is against disciplinary code set by the football governing body.
"The dignitaries had heavy security attached to them. They barged through the stewards arranged by CAF security officer," the football body noted.
Speaking to the players after the match, Ruto gave the national team Ksh1 million to motivate them, promising more if the team performs well in the campaign.
"Congratulations. You have done a good job. On behalf of the Government of Kenya, we are very proud of you and I will support you all the way.
"Coach (Ghost Mulee) we expect a better game on Sunday and we have to play well," Ruto stated at the time.
With the resumption of sports in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, CAF implemented a raft of measures including requirements that teams to have a sufficient number of players to participate in the matches in the event players test positive for the coronavirus.
Teams were allowed to increase the number of players by 10 in competitions where the regulations imposed a list with a limited number of players.
Additionally, any team which fails to travel to the host county due to any travel or other restrictions relating to Covid-19 will forfeit the match 2-0.
