CHAN 2024: Isaac Mwaura, Karen Nyamu Blocked from Presidential Entrance at Kasarani Stadium
- CHAN football tournament began with excitement, drawing massive crowds and high-profile leaders to a packed Kasarani Stadium
- A video captured a brief commotion at the stadium's VIP gate as Isaac Mwaura and Karen Nyamu encountered access issues before being redirected by security personnel
- Later, Nyamu joined the fans in energetic chants, rallying support for the home team and encouraging a dominant performance
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The much-anticipated African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign officially kicked off at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday, August 3, marking a major milestone in continental football.
Source: Facebook
Harambee Stars, one of the co-hosts, faced off against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the tournament's opening match, igniting excitement among fans, especially after Kenya’s first goal during the first 45 minutes.
The stadium was filled with enthusiastic supporters, with thousands of Kenyans in attendance alongside high-profile leaders, including President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
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Was Isaac Mwaura blocked from Kasarani Stadium?
However, the event was not without incident. A brief moment of confusion unfolded at the stadium's presidential entrance when some government officials were denied access through the VIP gate.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura was among those turned away.
He was seen engaging in a conversation with security officers manning the entrance before being redirected to use an alternative gate, which he accepted without resistance.
What did Nyamu say after accessing Kasarani Stadium?
Nairobi nominated senator Karen Nyamu also faced a similar hurdle.
Upon her arrival, a slight commotion occurred as she attempted to enter through the same gate, with several fans trying to follow her.
Security personnel swiftly intervened and blocked entry, eventually closing the gate to restore order.
However, after eventually gaining access to the stadium, Nyamu joined the crowd in cheering on Harambee Stars. She energised the fans with spirited chants aimed at motivating the national team.
“We’re equalising here. Let’s put two goals on the left side and the same on the other. Let Congo be sent packing just like that,” she said in a video, urging the team to dominate both halves of the field and secure a convincing win against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the minor disruptions, the match proceeded smoothly, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting CHAN tournament hosted on Kenyan soil.
What did William Ruto promise Harambee Stars?
Meanwhile, amid heightened security at Kasarani Stadium, fans found with prohibited items such as weapons, flares, alcohol, or drones risked being denied entry and could face legal consequences.
Source: Facebook
Ruto also announced a revised incentive package for Harambee Stars after the tournament. Under the new arrangement, each player will receive KSh 1 million for every match won and KSh 500,000 for a draw.
Additionally, the initial KSh 200 million reward promised for reaching the finals has been tripled to KSh 600 million, with the president emphasising the importance of collective effort from all stakeholders.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
