AFCON 2027: Musonye proposes jail terms for stadium vandals
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 19.02.26. | 09:12
Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will co-host AFCON 2027, a tournament expected to place the country under continental and global scrutiny
The chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) , Nicholas Musonye, has urged the government to introduce stricter measures, including jail terms, to curb vandalism of stadium facilities.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News
Speaking during an interview with Sporty FM, on Tuesday, 17 February, Musonye cited the extensive vandalism witnessed at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in October 2025 during the body viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Musonye expressed concern over the state of the facility, linking the damage to unrest that occurred shortly after government-funded renovations.
The stadium, one of Kenya’s key venues earmarked for AFCON 2027, had recently undergone significant upgrades in readiness for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The reported destruction has raised fresh concerns about safeguarding public infrastructure ahead of the continental showpiece set for June to July 2027.
“Kasarani was badly vandalised when we lost the former prime minister (Raila Odinga). Two months after the government spent a lot of money repairing the facility for CHAN 2024, seats were torn apart and toilets uprooted,” Musonye said.
He lamented what he termed a culture of impunity surrounding the destruction of public property.
“It is only in this country where people do vandalism and get away with it. It is very unfortunate because the CCTVs are installed. There should be punishment to make people realise that these are government facilities. Let us not destroy them, because we need them tomorrow,” he added.
Musonye emphasised that Kenya cannot afford to incur repeated repair costs due to acts of vandalism, especially with major international tournaments on the horizon.
Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will co-host AFCON 2027, a tournament expected to place the country under continental and global scrutiny.
Touching on the under-construction Talanta Stadium, Musonye called on the public to safeguard the facility earmarked for AFCON 2027 and urged the government to take decisive action against perpetrators.
“Talanta should not be destroyed; facilities at the stadium are expensive. We must be responsible and protect our venues. I urge the government to be very strict on this matter, disciplining people who are found vandalising these facilities, as they are expensive. Let people be jailed for one or two years for vandalism,” he said.