Nairobi United, Gor Mahia enter blame game battle after Sunday's chaos
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 22.12.25. | 11:02
Videos circulating on social media captured fans fighting, though the exact trigger remains unclear
Sunday’s FKF Premier League clash between Nairobi United and Gor Mahia at Dandora Stadium ended in chaos, with violent scenes forcing the match to be abandoned in the 58th minute, and now, neither of the clubs is willing to take responsibility for what transpired.
The trouble erupted shortly after Ovella Ochieng’s equaliser for Nairobi United cancelled out Ebenezer Adukwaw’s first-half opener, with fans in the orange-colored stands between Gates 2 and 3 engaging in scuffles.
Videos circulating on social media captured fans fighting, though the exact trigger remains unclear. Sources suggest provocation by one group may have escalated tensions, resulting in a full-blown confrontation inside the stadium.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed condemned the incidents and promised strict action against those responsible.
“I strongly condemn the acts of hooliganism that forced the abandonment of today’s Nairobi United vs Gor Mahia match. This behaviour will not be tolerated in Kenyan football,” he stated.
“FKF has formally initiated disciplinary processes, and the matter is being referred to our judicial bodies for determination. Club and match officials are required to record statements while criminal investigations are being pursued with the relevant authorities.”
Hussein also extended support to the league’s broadcast partner, Azam TV Kenya, whose van was vandalised during the melee.
“I also stand with Azam TV Kenya following the vandalism of their broadcast van. Our partners must be protected, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Gor Mahia have distanced themselves from the violence, claiming their fans were victims of the incident. In a letter to FKF Leagues and Competitions Head Frank Ogola, Secretary General Nick Arum detailed the club’s position.
“During the 60th minute, the home fans engaged in disruptive behaviour by throwing objects onto the field in what was purported to be a celebration of their equalising goal.
This reckless conduct created a significant security risk and ultimately led to the abandonment of the match, as tensions escalated between the two sets of fans.”
“Several of our supporters sustained injuries, and our team bus suffered extensive damage. We firmly attribute this incident to the home team’s inadequate match-day management and failure to control their fan base. The deployment of stewards and police officers was insufficient and poorly executed, exacerbating an already volatile situation.”
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Nairobi United, in a statement, while condemning the hooliganism, called for calm and quick recovery for those injured.
“Football is meant to unite communities, inspire passion, and provide a safe environment for players, fans, and all stakeholders. Hooliganism has no place in football, and the scenes witnessed today (Sunday) go against the values we stand for as a club and as a sporting community," read the statement in part.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of fans who were injured during the incident, as well as those whose properties were damaged. Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected. The safety and well-being of players, football fans, and all other football stakeholders must always come first.”
“We remain committed to promoting fair play, respect, and peaceful coexistence within and beyond the football pitch, and will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.”
