NAIROBI, Kenya — Tensions flared at the Kasarani International Sports Centre after hordes of frustrated fans overpowered security personnel and stormed past barriers to gain entry ahead of Kenya’s opening match against DR Congo in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Videos seen by Y News showed fans pushing against fences, ignoring security orders, and forcing their way through entry points.
The stampede-like scenes unfolded hours before the 3:00 p.m. kickoff, turning what was meant to be a celebratory return to continental football into a chaotic spectacle.
“No Tickets Anywhere”
Fans who spoke to the media outside the stadium expressed outrage over what they claimed was a failure by event organisers to ensure fair ticket distribution.
“There were no tickets anywhere. People travelled from far, only to be told it’s full,” said one visibly angry supporter.
Others alleged that the government had deliberately distributed tickets to selected groups in a bid to drown out anti-government chants such as “Ruto Must Go” and “Wantam” (a popular phrase implying the president should only serve one term), which have been common at recent public gatherings.
Security was tight along major roads leading to the stadium, including Thika Superhighway, where officers blocked sections such as the Roysambu service lane to manage crowd flow.
But by mid-morning, the sheer number of fans proved overwhelming for both police and stewards.
Despite the confusion, many supporters showed up in full patriotic flair—waving Kenyan flags, chanting slogans, and dressed in national colours—as excitement for the country’s return to competitive continental football reached fever pitch.
A Historic Return
Sunday’s clash marks Kenya’s official debut in the CHAN 2024 tournament, which it is co-hosting alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
It also symbolizes a major comeback after a turbulent period for Kenyan football, which included international suspensions and failed hosting bids in previous years.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was jubilant, with both Kenyan and Congolese fans creating an electrifying ambiance, despite the earlier disorder outside.
As the national team—Harambee Stars—took to the pitch, thousands hoped that the match would usher in not only sporting success but a renewed spirit of unity in a country recently rocked by economic hardship and anti-government protests.
