Manage your crowds, Speaker Wetang’ula urges Nairobi MPs ahead of Kenya-Zambia match
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula speaking at Harvest Center Fellowship Church, Port Victoria, Budalang’i in Busia County on August 10, 2025. Courtesy photo
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on Nairobi legislators whose constituencies border Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to take responsibility for crowd behaviour ahead of Sunday’s AFCON 2025 qualifier between Kenya and Zambia.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Wetang’ula expressed regret over the crowd trouble that marred Kenya’s match against Morocco last weekend, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to halve stadium capacity for the upcoming game.
“Karauri, TJ (Kajwang) and Oluoch, talk to your people. When tickets are sold out, they should not attempt to gatecrash,” Wetang’ula told MPs. “We must avoid a repeat of the regrettable and unwarranted scenes of Sunday.”
In a strongly worded letter to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), CAF cited “repeated and serious security lapses” at Kenya’s recent home matches as justification for strict new attendance rules.
CAF’s report detailed multiple breaches:
Ticketless fans breaking through gates and misuse of government-issued paper tickets.
Perimeter fence invasions and open, uncontrolled exit points.
Chaotic scenes at Ngomongo roundabout with fans streaming in unchecked.
Use of tear gas, flash grenades, and even live ammunition near fans and staff, sparking panic.
Stone-throwing at security personnel and unsafe vehicle movement inside spectator areas.
An absence of official medical reports despite injuries.
No CCTV coverage at critical entry points.
To prevent a repeat, CAF ordered FKF to:
- Limit attendance to 60 percent capacity--about 27,000 fans.
- Accept only electronic tickets--thermal/paper tickets are banned.
- Work with the Local Organising Committee and government on a public awareness campaign about stadium entry protocols.
CAF warned that non-compliance could lead to harsher sanctions, including moving Kenya’s home games to neutral venues.
Kenya’s clash with Zambia is more than a crowd control test--it’s a decisive moment in Group A.
Kenya currently leads the group with 7 points and a +2 goal difference, ahead of Morocco and Zambia, both on 6 points. Only the top two teams progress to the quarter-finals.
Scenarios:
Win: Kenya qualifies automatically, regardless of other results.
Draw: Kenya’s fate depends on Morocco’s result; a Moroccan win could push Kenya to third.
Loss: Kenya could drop out of the qualification zone if Morocco secures points in their match.
