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Ensure safety in venues

Editorial logo Nation.Africa

By  Editorial

The grand return of football fans to the stadiums witnessed during the national football team, Harambee Stars and Gabon and the “Mashemeji” Derby pitting AFC Leopards against Gor Mahia is heartwarming.

Kenyan fans came in numbers to fill the 30,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium to the rafters even as Harambee Stars lost to Gabon 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifier on March 23, in a duel that collected Sh7 million.

Then came the “Mashemeji” Derby on Sunday, where the two local giants battled to a goalless draw in their Kenya Premier League first leg match against a backdrop of the Nyayo National Stadium arena that was full beyond capacity. The match raised Sh 7.3 million.

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However, the Football Federation of Kenya (FKF) moved fast to address the surging numbers of fans at these crucial matches especially the “Mashemeji Derby” in view of avoiding tragedies in future.

While it is evident that fans are back to the stadium and their love and passion for the game is unquestionable with the Harambee Stars vs Gabon match witnessing the return of international football, FKF and the ministry of sports must come up with urgent measures that will help address the security and safety measures at the stadium.

It’s wise that FKF has moved to postpone the return leg of the “Mashemeji Derby” that was scheduled for Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium following challenges witnessed during the two exciting duels.

The country has witnessed stampedes in local matches before leading to death of fans, tragedies that could have been avoided if action was taken prior.

It can be recalled that the “Mashemeji” Derby of October 23, 2011, at the Nyayo National Stadium left bad memories when seven fans died in a stampede.

A similar situation almost happened on Sunday when Police used teargas to control the unruly fans.