Kenya’s Local Organising Committee for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 has issued a strong statement, thanking fans for their passionate support but warning that recent security breaches at Kasarani Stadium threaten the future of Kenyan football.
The committee lauded the fans, calling their energy “invaluable” in driving the Harambee Stars to unprecedented success. It also extended gratitude to President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and the government for their unwavering support.
However, the statement directly addressed “unfortunate incidents of crowd trouble” at some of the matches.
To ensure the safety of all attendees, the smooth running of the tournament, and to uphold the reputation of Kenyan football, the committee has called on all supporters to strictly observe a new set of safety measures.
To maintain order and security, the following guidelines must be followed:
- Tickets must only be purchased from the authorized online vendor, as only e-tickets will be accepted for entry.
- Fans should arrive at the stadium at least five hours before the scheduled kick-off, with their mobile tickets ready for quick verification.
- Everyone must adhere to all security guidelines and instructions from event officials at all times.
The committee warned that continued security breaches could attract severe sanctions from relevant authorities, potentially denying Kenyan fans the chance to enjoy such events in the future and eroding the gains already achieved.
In a move to manage the crowd and provide a safe alternative, the LOC announced plans to set up Official Fan Zones.
These zones will allow supporters to gather and watch the final group match between the Harambee Stars and Zambia on Sunday, August 17, in a safe and controlled environment.
Details of the Fan Zones are expected to be shared shortly. The committee concluded by emphasizing that the future of Kenyan football depends on “collective responsibility and co-operation” to ensure Kenya continues to host major tournaments successfully.
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