Kenya vs DRC: Fans Overpower Security, Force Way Into Kasarani Stadium Ahead of CHAN 2024 Opener

• Security officials were temporarily overwhelmed in one of the entry points at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday afternoon
• The stadium is set to play host to Harambee Stars' first game in the African Nations Championships (CHAN), where they will play DR Congo
• The government had promised adequate security measures, with police setting up buffer zones one kilometre from the stadium

A section of fans overpowered security officials at Kasarani Stadium ahead of the Kenya vs the Democratic Republic of Congo match.

The game, which is supposed to kick off at 3 pm, will be the first time Harambee Stars are playing at the African Nations Championships (CHAN).

The government had earlier given clear and strict instructions on the security protocols that would be followed.

Fans overpower security officials at Kasarani Stadium

Noise-enhancing instruments like the vuvuzela and whistles were banned from being used inside the stadium.

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Entry was also by ticket only, with heavy police deployed on the main gates to ensure adherence.

However, a section of fans overpowered officials and forced their way past the erected barriers, one hour 15 minutes before kickoff.

Isaac Mwaura, Karen Nyamu blocked from presidential entrance

At the same time, the government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, and nominated senator Karen Nyamu were blocked from accessing the presidential entrance at Kasarani Stadium.

The duo had to be redirected to another stand by the security officials manning the entrance.

The duo had to be redirected to another stand by the security officials manning the entrance.

Empty seats spotted at Kasarani Stadium

Bizarrely enough, the stadium was not sold out despite the ticket vendor running out of tickets. A spot check by TUKO.co.ke discovered notable spaces in the stadium seats as the game progressed.

Meffi Holdings said

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"Politicians took all the tickets (as they always do, for free) to buy loyalty through issuing free tickets. Ole wao, we only receive free cash, tupatane next empowerment."

Angima Peter said,

"In business, it is called hoarding. However, for this one, politicians bought the tickets and lacked loyal people to dish out to. So it becomes not only dead stock but stale as well. What a waste!"

While Abdulahi Adan said,

"How come Kasarani Stadium isn't full yet all the tickets were purchased? Kwani nani alinunua the rest of the tickets because the crowds outside the stadium hawana tickets. Who purchased the tickets?"

Bamche said,

"Empty seats at Kasarani Stadium despite tickets being sold out. Every football fan was willing to buy the tickets to watch Harambee Stars beat DR Congo, but it seems like Politics are trying to ruin the game."

Kenya beat DR Congo at CHAN 2024

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Despite all the off-pitch issues, Harambee Stars kicked off their campaign with a bang, beating DR Congo 1-0 at the Kasarani Stadium.

Austine Odhiambo scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of halftime after a brilliant piece of skill inside the area to shake off the defenders.

Kenya survived a few close calls but held on to register their first win on their CHAN debut.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke