On March 23, 2025, prior to the FIFA World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium, a group of fans forcibly entered the venue by knocking down one of its gates. This action occurred despite the Football Kenya Federation’s announcement that all 22,900 tickets had been sold out the previous day, advising those without tickets to watch the game live on KBC.
Videos circulating online depict a large number of fans overwhelming security personnel and pushing through an entrance to gain access to the stadium. The influx of unauthorized individuals raised concerns about seating arrangements and overall safety, given that the stadium’s capacity is 30,000, with specific sections allocated to different groups.
In addition to the breach, some attendees chanted anti-government slogans, including “Ruto Must Go,” approximately ninety minutes before the match commenced.
The incident underscores the challenges of managing large crowds during high-profile sporting events and highlights the need for enhanced security measures to ensure the safety and orderliness of such gatherings.
