The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended ticket sales for all upcoming matches at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in the wake of alarming safety and security breaches during last weekend’s Harambee Stars encounter with Morocco. The move affects next Sunday’s high-profile Kenya vs Zambia fixture, which was expected to draw a capacity crowd.
According to CAF, the decision was triggered by multiple incidents before and during the Morocco game, where fan safety was severely compromised. Reports detail a broken gate that allowed hordes of ticketless supporters to flood the stadium, resulting in overcrowding well beyond official capacity. In the ensuing chaos, the media centre was overrun, and police resorted to using tear gas to control the situation.
Eyewitnesses and match officials described scenes of confusion and tension as fans jostled for space, with security staff overwhelmed by the sheer numbers. The breaches not only disrupted match operations but also raised serious questions about crowd management protocols and stadium preparedness for major international fixtures.
CAF’s disciplinary and safety committees have formally launched investigations to determine responsibility and recommend corrective measures. The continental football body emphasized that its priority remains safeguarding players, officials, and supporters, warning that further sanctions, including venue bans, remain on the table pending the probe’s outcome.
The suspension is a major blow to Kenyan football stakeholders, with the Zambia clash now clouded in uncertainty. For Harambee Stars fans, the focus has shifted from the team’s performance on the pitch to the urgent need for tighter security controls off it , a reminder that the beautiful game thrives only when the safety of its audience is assured.
