Gor Mahia FC has vowed never to play at Gusii Stadium again unless adequate security measures are put in place, following the fan violence that marred their match against Shabana FC in Kisii County.
The record 21-time Kenyan champions have accused the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee of ignoring repeated warnings— including one from local police—urging the cancellation of the high-risk fixture due to safety concerns.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening, FKF confirmed that 72 people were treated for injuries at various hospitals in Kisii after violence erupted at the stadium. Chaos broke out when rival fans clashed over seating arrangements at the terraces.
Gor Mahia, Shabana league match leaves 72 injured
“Gor will never accept to play at Gusii Stadium with such dishonesty and disorganisation,” said Gor Secretary General Nicanor Arum.
In a separate statement issued on Monday, Gor Mahia leadership expressed outrage over FKF’s decision to allow the match to proceed despite numerous alerts regarding the venue’s inadequacy for high-stakes fixtures.
“It is equally saddening that despite having registered a legitimate concern with the Leagues and Competitions department of having to play such a high-risk match at Gusii Stadium, they chose not to intervene even after the security personnel, led by the OCPD Kisii Sub County (Nyaribari Chache Constituency), advised that from their assessment, the prevailing environment was volatile and hence there was need to call off the match,” read a statement by four elected club officials, led by chairman Ambrose Rachier.
Gor officials claimed that a match commissioner, who had initially agreed to cancel the game, shockingly reversed his decision and stated that FKF had instructed him to proceed with the fixture.
“…During an urgent meeting involving Gor Mahia and Shabana officials, security agencies, Azam representatives, SSOs, and the Match Commissioner, we were shocked when he (the match’s commissioner) reversed his position (to call off the match),” the club said.
“Despite the OCPD advising against proceeding with the match due to safety concerns, the Commissioner stated he had received instructions from FKF to go ahead at all costs. This raises a critical question: how can someone sitting in Nairobi overrule those on the ground who fully understand the risks and realities on site?” the statement continued.
Arum further called for compensation for the injured and those whose properties were destroyed, blaming "those who sanctioned that the match be staged at Gusii Stadium."
In its own statement, FKF condemned the violence, expressed sympathy for the injured, and pledged disciplinary action following ongoing investigations. However, the federation did not explain why the match was allowed to go on despite clear warnings.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the unrest. Decisive disciplinary measures will be taken upon conclusion of ongoing investigations. We urge members of the public and the media to refrain from circulating unverified reports, particularly claims of fatalities. FKF will continue to monitor the situation and will provide timely updates to the public should any new developments arise,” read part of FKF’s statement.
Gor Mahia also accused home team Shabana of violating match regulations, claiming that their stewards were spotted wielding batons—a clear breach of security protocols.
To avoid a repeat of such incidents, Gor urged FKF to “take the running of the top league seriously and ensure that the rules and regulations governing Kenyan football are adhered to fully so that such unbecoming behavior is stamped out completely.”
“It was a big shame to see a football match turned into a battleground in the full glare, given that there was live broadcast,” the club’s statement concluded.
