Chaos erupted on Sunday, September 21, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, when police lobbed teargas to disperse rowdy Gor Mahia FC fans who attempted to forcefully gain entry into the stadium using panya routes.
The incident happened ahead of Gor Mahia’s Kenya Premier League match against Bidco United, which had attracted thousands of supporters eager to watch their team kick off the new season.
Witnesses reported that dozens of fans dressed in the club’s trademark green jerseys bypassed the official entry points, prompting a swift reaction from security personnel stationed at the venue.
Police officers deployed to the scene fired several rounds of teargas canisters to restore order, sending crowds scattering and creating scenes of panic outside the stadium.
Some fans were seen scaling walls and squeezing through narrow paths as others fled to nearby parking lots to escape the choking smoke.
Several supporters took to social media to complain about what they termed as harassment by the police, insisting that they were simply trying to watch their favourite team play.
However, stadium officials stated that only fans with valid tickets were being allowed inside and that the unruly group was trying to sneak in without paying.
The match eventually proceeded after calm was restored, but the incident has reignited debate over the management of football crowds in Kenya.
Sports analysts noted that Gor Mahia, being one of the most supported clubs in the country, often attracts large turnouts, which require better crowd control measures.
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