Shabana's improved measures to heighten security ahead of Gor Mahia clash

Shabana FC Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama has issued a strong assurance to football fans, urging them to turn out in large numbers for Sunday’s highly anticipated FKF Premier League clash against Gor Mahia at Gusii Stadium, insisting that robust security measures are firmly in place.

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The Tore Bobe administrator says lessons have been learned from the chaotic scenes that marred the clubs’ previous meeting at the same venue, and this time, no chances are being taken.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Kerama revealed that Shabana, Gor Mahia, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), and state security agencies have jointly coordinated an elaborate safety plan to guarantee a peaceful football spectacle.

“Security is not something Shabana Football Club is handling alone,” Kerama said. “It is a collective effort involving Shabana, Gor Mahia, FKF, and all the relevant security agencies.

We have worked together holistically to ensure everything will be okay. There are clear proposals, structural arrangements at the gates, and a detailed plan on how fans will be accommodated, especially because we expect a much larger crowd than usual.”

The Sunday, 11 January encounter has attracted massive interest, with both sides boasting passionate support bases.

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Kerama acknowledges the fixture presents unique challenges but insists preparations have gone beyond the routine.

“We understand this match will attract numbers far bigger than previous fixtures; that is why we are moving away from the normal arrangement of one GSU battalion.

For this match, there will be at least three GSU battalions drawn from Kilgoris and Muhoroni, alongside regular police officers and a large team of trained stewards from Shabana, Gor Mahia, and FKF,” he explained.

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According to Kerama, the planning process began weeks ago and has already received approval from both security agencies and the federation.

“Structures were developed first and approved. The next step is full implementation before and during match day. Fans will clearly see an increased security presence.

When we talk about security, we mean uniformed officers, stewards, controlled entry points, and proper coordination inside the stadium.”

One of the key measures will be strict segregation of supporters to prevent confrontations.

“There will be a clear demarcation of seating areas for Shabana and Gor Mahia fans; there will also be a strong physical barrier separating the two sets of supporters.

This is meant to ensure safety and allow everyone to enjoy the game without fear or intimidation.”

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Beyond policing, the club head has challenged fans to play their part by embracing a change in mindset, arguing that true safety in stadiums begins with acceptance of football outcomes.

“At the end of the day, what we are really campaigning for is a mentality shift; football is competition. You can win, draw, or lose.

It should never be about harming anyone. Even with all the structures and security arrangements in place, the biggest factor is mindset.”

He pointed to Shabana’s recent home matches as evidence that progress is possible.

“We have had matches at Gusii where results did not go our way, even heavy defeats, but there has been no hooliganism. Fans simply walk out peacefully. That is the culture we want to entrench, not just for Shabana fans but for everyone.”

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FKF has also reinforced safety protocols, urging supporters to arrive at the stadium early, cooperate fully with stewards and security personnel, and maintain discipline before, during, and after the match.

For the match, a total of 12,000 tickets have been printed. Regular tickets will retail at Ksh300, VIP tickets at Ksh1,000, and VVIP tickets at Ksh2,000. Ticket sales will begin at 6.00 am on match day and will close strictly at noon.

To streamline access and minimise friction, ticket sales points have been allocated based on team allegiance.

Gor Mahia supporters will purchase tickets at Nyanchwa Junction near Gospel Embassy and Nyanchwa Bridge, while Shabana fans will buy theirs at the Huduma Centre Grounds.

VIP and VVIP tickets will be sold at Hema Junction near AIC Academy, and no tickets will be sold after midday.

The heightened precautions follow ugly scenes during the teams’ last meeting at Gusii, when clashes between supporters led to a stampede that injured several fans and forced repeated stoppages.

Gor later blamed Shabana for inadequate security planning, describing the incident as a national embarrassment as the match was broadcast live.

Despite a 45-minute delay, the game eventually resumed, with Gor Mahia edging Shabana 1-0 in a tense affair.