Gor Mahia put FKF on the spot over violent scenes at Gusii Stadium

Gor Mahia’s Executive Committee has asked the Football Kenya Federation “to take the running of the top league seriously” following violent scenes witnessed at Gusii Stadium on Sunday 4 May.

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Gor Mahia officials raised concerns about the league’s handling of their match against Shabana, detailing the events and decisions that ultimately led to 72 fans being admitted with injuries.

FKF condemns violence witnessed in Shabana - Gor Mahia game, confirms 72 injured

The club first took issue with the FKF Leagues and Competitions Department for allowing the Premier League match to take place at Gusii Stadium.

“It is saddening that despite having registered a legitimate concern with the Leagues and Competitions department of having to play such a High Risk match at Gusii Stadium, they chose not to intervene, even after the security personnel led by the OCPD Kisii Sub County (Nyaribari Chache Constituency) advised that from their assessment, the prevailing environment was volatile and hence there was need to call off the match,” Gor Mahia’s statement read.

Regarding events leading up to the delayed game on Sunday, the Committee noted that the Match Commissioner “received instructions from FKF” to allow the fixture to go on, despite earlier assuring Gor Mahia players and technical bench that the match would not be played given the "tense situation.”

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“We were completely taken aback when the Match Commissioner, after visiting our bus which was being held outside the stadium next to the VVIP entrance due to the home team’s refusal to open the gate, assured our players and technical bench that the match would not be played given the tense situation,” the club statement read.

“However, during an urgent meeting involving Gor Mahia and Shabana officials, security agencies, Azam representatives, SSOs, and the Match Commissioner, we were shocked when he reversed his position.

Despite the OCPD advising against proceeding with the match due to safety concerns, the Commissioner stated he had received instructions from FKF to go ahead at all costs.

This raises a critical question: how can someone sitting in Nairobi overrule those on the ground who fully understand the risks and realities on site?”

As per a report by the Daily Nation, fans from both sides resulted to violence as they fought over seating allocations at the terraces.

The game however kicked off 42 minutes after the scheduled 1400 EAT kickoff, and witnessed multiple delays in the second half.

Police and hospital reports shared by FKF on Sunday evening confirmed that 72 individuals had been treated for injuries.

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Gor Mahia noted that Shabana - who were the hosts - failed to make reasonable hosting and securing arrangements stating: “Clearly from the observations witnessed yesterday, where the home team stewards were all over the pitch with batons exposed fully to the glare of all, it is evident that Shabana FC as the home team was in serious violation since it is the responsibility of home clubs to prevent spectators and other unauthorized persons from encroaching on the playing field.

“Shabana FC also failed to take adequate measures to prevent the throwing of missiles, bottles and other harmful objects on the playing field and the match was stopped five times.

Gor Mahia Football club therefore calls upon the Football Kenya federation to take the running of the top league seriously and ensure that the rules and regulations governing Kenyan football are adhered to fully so that such unbecoming behavior is stamped out completely.”