Shame as Match Officials Greenlight Game Despite Death in Shabana-Gor Mahia Stands

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Shame as Match Officials Greenlight Game Despite Death in Shabana-Gor Mahia Stands

Festus Chuma 15:09 - 04.05.2025

Match officials allowed the Shabana vs Gor Mahia game to proceed despite deadly fan clashes, sparking outrage and national condemnation.

Sad that they went ahead with the match. As one body was repotedly rushed to hospital and fans lay wounded, the whistle still blew at Gusii Stadium.

In what can only be described as a heartless decision, the FKF Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia FC kicked off amid chaos, pain, and mourning.

The fixture, originally scheduled to begin at 2:00pm, was delayed by thirty minutes due to violent clashes between fans of both teams.

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Yet even with blood on the terraces and screams still echoing from the stands, the officials made a disgraceful decision to proceed with the game — as though nothing had happened.

As The Standard reported: “One person killed, several injured after clash between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia FC fans at Gusii Stadium ahead of football match.”

The reality on the ground was even worse. At least one life lost, dozens injured, and countless traumatized. Still, the match continued, an act of indifference that will haunt Kenyan football for years.

Supporters of both clubs began arriving as early as 7am, full of hope and spirit. But tension boiled over in the regular stands, where fans from both teams were housed too close together — a failure of planning and security. Stone-throwing ensued, chaos erupted, and blood spilled.

Security forces from the Kenya Police and GSU eventually stepped in to restore order, but by then, the damage had already been done.

The wounded were rushed to hospitals across Kisii Town. Many Gor Mahia fans walked out in protest and solidarity, choosing dignity over points.

This match should never have been played.

The referees and league officials must be held accountable for this shameful decision. There is no glory in goals scored over cries of the wounded. Football is a game of passion, not pain. Today, the match was not just a fixture—it was a failure of humanity.

There should have been a moment of silence, not a kickoff.

Shame on those who let it go on.