Hundreds of football fans forced their way into Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, August 3, 2025, breaking through security barricades before the kick-off of the highly anticipated CHAN 2024 match between Kenya and DR Congo.
The chaotic scenes unfolded just hours before the match, as long queues formed outside the stadium. Tensions flared when frustrated fans began pushing through barricades, eventually overwhelming security personnel and gaining unauthorized access to the 48,000-capacity arena.
🔓 BARRICADES BREACHED, SECURITY OVERWHELMED
Footage widely shared on social media shows massive crowds surging through entry points, bypassing checkpoints and sprinting into various stadium sections. Some fans scaled fences, while others toppled metal barriers, as outnumbered security officials struggled to maintain order.
“The situation escalated quickly. Officers were overwhelmed and unable to stop the crowd from rushing in,” said an eyewitness.
Once inside the stadium, however, order was restored. Internal security officers managed to contain the crowds, allowing the match to proceed under tight surveillance.
🎟️ TICKET SHORTAGE BLAMED FOR STADIUM STAMPEDE
The incident comes amid widespread public frustration over ticketing issues, with many fans complaining that they were unable to purchase official match passes. Some suspected political interference, alleging that the government was distributing tickets selectively to fill the stadium with loyal supporters and suppress potential protests or anti-government chants.
“I tried to buy my ticket three times online, but the system kept failing. Now we are forced to break in just to support our national team,” said a frustrated fan.
Organizers, however, maintain that the tickets were sold out days before the match.
“All tickets were gone by Monday evening. We advised fans not to travel to the venue without tickets,” said Nicholas Musonye, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee.
🌍 CHAN 2024: KENYA CO-HOSTS CONTINENTAL TOURNAMENT
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is being jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tournament, sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), features national teams made up exclusively of players from domestic leagues.
Kasarani Stadium, Kenya’s flagship sports venue, was selected to host several key group stage matches, including the clash between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and DR Congo—one of the biggest draws of the tournament so far.
📣 CALLS FOR IMPROVED STADIUM SECURITY AND TRANSPARENCY
Following the incident, football stakeholders and fans alike are calling on authorities to enhance crowd control protocols and improve transparency in the ticketing process.
“If we are to successfully co-host international tournaments, crowd safety and planning must be top priorities,” said a local sports analyst.
With CHAN 2024 just beginning, all eyes remain on Kenya’s ability to manage the upcoming fixtures smoothly and securely.
