Chaos in Kenyan Football: 66 Fans Hospitalized After Violence at Shabana FC vs. Gor Mahia Match
Kenyan football was plunged into chaos on Sunday, May 4, 2025, as a highly anticipated top-flight league match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia erupted into violence, resulting in 66 fans being hospitalized. The incident occurred at Gusii Stadium, where tensions between rival supporters escalated into a dangerous confrontation before the match even began.
What should have been an exciting fixture quickly turned chaotic as fans clashed in the stands, throwing stones and other objects at one another. The violent outbreak left several supporters injured, with two fans sustaining serious injuries, including skull fractures. Emergency services rushed the injured fans to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital and RAM Hospital for treatment.
Despite Gor Mahia securing a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from midfielder Sylvester Wanyama, the on-pitch result was overshadowed by the distressing scenes off the field. In the aftermath of the violence, Gor Mahia released a statement expressing their regret over the incident: “We witnessed very sad moments at Gusii Stadium before the game. We wish a quick recovery to all those affected.”
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) condemned the violence in a strong statement, emphasizing the need for football to remain a unifying force rather than a source of danger. “The safety of fans, players, and officials is paramount,” they stated, pledging to collaborate with authorities to investigate the root causes of the violence and implement necessary security measures.
In light of the incident, authorities have launched a full investigation, with many stakeholders calling for tighter security and improved crowd control measures at football venues across the country. The FKF’s commitment to ensuring safety in football arenas remains a top priority as they seek to prevent such occurrences in the future.
