Gusii Stadium, as a suitable venue for high-risk Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches, came under scrutiny after a violence-marred match between Shabana and Gor Mahia at the venue on May 4, 2024, that left 70 fans injured.
The home side, Shabana, together with Football Kenya Federation, were accused of failing to put in place adequate security measures to contain any anticipated acts of hooliganism that have blighted the game in the country.
Skirmishes between the two sets of fans were witnessed before, during, and after the match that Gor won 1-0.
Understandably, there was concern over safety for this same fixture scheduled for January 11 because of the huge number of partisan fans both clubs attract.
A proposal was made to move the match from Gusii Stadium to Moi International Sports Centre, but Shabana resisted the move and threatened to boycott the fixture should it be played elsewhere.
Shabana argued that playing away from Gusii would cost them significant revenue and also give their rivals home advantage.
The club felt that it had a point to prove, and given another chance, they would put everything in place and avert the ugly scenes that were witnessed in May.
A concerted effort between FKF, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders saw Tore Bobe successfully stage the high-risk clash with Gor Mahia at Gusii Stadium.
Security inside and outside the stadium was heightened. Hundreds of officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) and their counterparts from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) were deployed not only to man the queues at the ticketing area but also to act as buffer zones between the rival fans.
Unlike last year, when tickets were sold next to the stadium, this time around, fans had to purchase them from booths situated away from the venue.
Tickets were sold near Kisii Town’s Huduma Centre area and at Hema Hospital, which ensured no congestion at the stadium gates and at the same time, kept away idlers, who had no tickets and indeed, no business being around the stadium.
It has previously been observed that some of these people without tickets wait outside the stadium gate for dignitaries to arrive, then force their way in when the entrance is opened.
No vehicles were allowed into the stadium. Police erected roadblocks on major roads leading to the stadium, and fans thoroughly frisked to ensure no potential weapons were smuggled into the stadium.
Also, in the lead-up to the match, the federation carried out a sensitisation programme, urging fans to embrace brotherhood and shun hooliganism, which would spoil the name of Kenyan football.
“Different Colours, Same Game”, “Heshima Uwanjani, Burudani Iendelee ” (Respect the pitch, let entertainment continue) and Protect the Game" were some of the slogans that were used to call for peace amongst those who were planning to attend the match.
“This is the kind of organisation that we want to see. There is no confusion. The stands for various teams are properly marked and visible for everyone to see. If all league matches can be planned like this, then we will not see cases of hooliganism in Kenya’s football,” said Ben Otieno, a K’Ogalo fan, after the match.
After the final whistle, Gor Mahia and Shabana fans embraced each other and sang their team songs...in peace.
