A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday, May 4, at Gusii Stadium ahead of a much-anticipated Kenya Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia, leaving one person dead and several others injured following a stampede.
Tensions ran high in the lead-up to the clash, with only two points separating third-placed Gor Mahia and fourth-placed Shabana.
The stadium was filled to capacity hours before kickoff, setting the stage for a volatile atmosphere.
Reports indicate that scuffles broke out among fans in the stands, sparking a stampede that resulted in multiple injuries.
Videos shared with local media captured moments of chaos, including fans clashing and hurling stones across rival sections.
Medical teams responded quickly, ferrying the injured to ambulances on standby.
However, due to the high number of casualties, several fans had to be rushed directly to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In the midst of the unrest, some fans invaded the pitch in an attempt to escape the violence, with even stadium stewards fleeing for safety.
By 1 p.m., uncertainty loomed over whether the match would proceed, as Gor Mahia players had yet to appear for warm-up.
As of the latest reports, one person has succumbed to injuries sustained during the chaos.
This incident follows a string of violent episodes at high-profile football matches in Kenya.
Just a week earlier, on April 27, a journalist was allegedly assaulted during a game between Gor Mahia and Mara Sugar, leading to hospitalization.
In response, the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has formally raised concerns with the Football Kenya Federation.
