FKF Refute Claims One Killed in Stadium Stampede as 72 Fans Injured in Nyanza Derby Mayhem

"Stadium stewards in reflector jackets trying to maintain law and order on May 4, 2025 /SCREENGRAB

FKF Refute Claims One Killed in Stadium Stampede as 72 Fans Injured in Nyanza Derby Mayhem

Festus Chuma 21:00 - 04.05.2025

FKF denies reports of fan death after violence at Gor Mahia vs Shabana match; 72 injured, investigations underway.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has strongly refuted reports that a fan died during violent clashes between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC supporters at Gusii Stadium on Sunday.

Chaos erupted shortly before the 2 p.m. kickoff when tensions between rival fans spiraled out of control.

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Video footage widely shared on social media showed fans throwing stones and other projectiles inside the overcrowded stadium, triggering panic and a deadly stampede as spectators scrambled to escape.

"The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is deeply concerned by the unfortunate scenes of violence that occurred during today’s FKF Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia FC at Gusii Stadium," read a statement from the federation.

Police struggled to maintain order as thousands of fans surged toward the exits. Emergency services responded swiftly, with injured supporters evacuated to nearby medical facilities. While local media initially reported a fatality, FKF insists no deaths have been confirmed.

"We have received confirmed reports from Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, RAM Hospital, Hema Hospital, Christamarianne Hospital, and the police, indicating that a total of 72 individuals were treated for injuries. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported as of this evening," the statement added.

Authorities are investigating what led to the outbreak of violence. FKF condemned the unrest and promised stringent disciplinary action against any individuals or parties found culpable.

"FKF strongly condemns all forms of violence in our stadiums. Football must remain a sport that brings people together – not one that puts lives at risk. The safety and well-being of fans, players, and officials remains a top priority for the Federation. We are working closely with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the unrest," it said.

"Decisive disciplinary measures will be taken upon conclusion of ongoing investigations. We urge members of the public and the media to refrain from circulating unverified reports, particularly claims of fatalities," the federation emphasized.

The highly charged atmosphere had been brewing since early morning, with the stadium already half full by 8 a.m.

Fans from both sides gathered in high spirits, chanting and waving flags in anticipation of the Nyanza derby. However, the growing excitement turned volatile as rival groups began provoking one another, ultimately leading to the violence.

Despite the chaos, the match went ahead after a one-hour delay. Gor Mahia’s Sylvester Owino scored the lone goal of the match, securing a 1-0 win for the record champions.

The victory saw K’Ogalo leapfrog Tusker into second place in the league standings with 53 points, just two behind leaders Kenya Police FC, who also won their match against Kariobangi Sharks.

Gor Mahia, who have now lost just once in their last 15 matches, kept their title hopes alive with the crucial win.

Shabana, equally competitive in recent outings, had hoped to use the home advantage to climb the standings but were ultimately undone by their opponents’ experience and composure.

The derby's intensity was fueled by the 1-1 draw in the first-leg encounter on December 11, and Sunday’s rematch was expected to be just as fiercely contested.

Unfortunately, fan violence overshadowed the football, prompting calls for better security and crowd control in future fixtures.