CAF warns Harambee Stars risk playing home games in Uganda or Tanzania
Kenya’s historic 1-0 win over two-time champions Morocco at Kasarani may have sent Harambee Stars fans into jubilation — but it’s now come with a hefty price tag and a stern warning from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
CAF’s Disciplinary Board has fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) USD 50,000 (about Sh6.5 million) for what it termed “multiple safety and security breaches” during last week’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group A clash.
What Went Wrong at Kasarani
According to CAF, security lapses during the match against Morocco included inadequate deployment of personnel inside the stadium and failure to implement road closures on match day — measures considered critical for player, official, and fan safety.
In a strongly worded statement, CAF warned that if such breaches continue, Kenya’s home fixtures could be moved to neighbouring Uganda or Tanzania, stripping the Harambee Stars of the electric home atmosphere they’ve enjoyed so far.
“Kenya must enhance its security arrangements immediately,” CAF’s notice read, adding that future non-compliance will trigger relocation.
Harambee Stars Riding High — But Now Under Scrutiny
The fine comes just days after Kenya stunned Morocco with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, a result that kept their CHAN campaign alive and electrified the Kasarani crowd.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was widely praised for his match-saving performance — even earning a three-month rent pledge from Mumias East MP Peter Salasya — while President William Ruto promised Sh2.5 million bonuses for each player if they win Sunday’s decisive group game against Zambia.
However, the latest sanction now shifts part of the spotlight away from the pitch and onto FKF’s organisation of match-day operations. The federation will need to prove it can meet CAF’s safety standards before the quarter-finals, should Kenya qualify.
Why This Matters for Kenyan Football
A move to host “home” games outside the country would not only affect the team’s performance but also deal a blow to fans who have turned Kasarani into a fortress this tournament.
It would also tarnish the image of Kenyan football at a time when the Harambee Stars are enjoying rare continental momentum.
For now, the players remain focused on their Sunday showdown against Zambia — but off the pitch, FKF will be under pressure to ensure the next match meets every CAF safety requirement.
