Several Injured in Clash Between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC Fans at Gusii Stadium
Several football fans were left nursing injuries on Sunday, May 4, after a stampede broke out at Gusii Stadium ahead of a highly anticipated Kenya Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia.
The clash occurred just hours before kick-off, as tensions flared between rival supporters in a stadium packed to capacity. With only two points separating the third-placed Gor Mahia from fourth-placed Shabana FC, emotions were high, and the stakes even higher.
Eyewitnesses reported that minor scuffles had begun in the stands early on, and videos shared on social media captured the initial confrontations. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a stampede that saw dozens of fans injured.
“It all happened so fast. One moment people were chanting, and the next, fans were running in every direction,” said one witness.
Paramedics stationed at the venue responded swiftly, ferrying the injured to a nearby ambulance. However, due to the number of casualties, several fans had to be taken directly to local hospitals for treatment.
In the chaos, some fans invaded the pitch seeking refuge, while stewards were seen fleeing the scene for their own safety. For a moment, the match itself hung in the balance as the tense atmosphere raised concerns about whether it would proceed.
By 1:00 p.m., Gor Mahia players had not yet taken to the field for warm-up, further fuelling uncertainty. They eventually emerged to begin their pre-match preparations, though the atmosphere remained tense.
A Pattern of Violence in Kenyan Football
This latest incident adds to a growing list of security concerns during high-profile football matches in Kenya. Just a week earlier, a journalist was assaulted during a Gor Mahia vs. Mara Sugar match on April 27, leading to widespread condemnation.
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has since written to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), urging for improved security and protections for media personnel and fans alike.
Sunday’s events at Gusii Stadium have reignited calls for tighter crowd control and better matchday security protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As fans recover and authorities investigate the stampede, questions linger about how such incidents can be mitigated in a country where football passion often boils over into violence.
In other news: DCI Identifies Key Suspects in Assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Were – PS Omollo
Several Injured in Clash Between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC Fans at Gusii Stadium