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There were a few cases of hooliganism last weekend after Gor Mahia drew with Murang'a Seal and AFC Leopards were humbled by Ulinzi Stars, with a section of fans attacking coaches at full time.
Gameweek eight of the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League epitomized everything that is wrong with football in Kenya, highlighted by shocking incidents of hooliganism in Machakos and Meru.
Gor Mahia's head coach, Leonardo Neiva, was attacked by a section of the club’s fans, leaving him with a bloodied face after Murang’a Seal secured a last-minute draw against K’Ogalo.
In Meru, AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha had to be escorted off the pitch surrounded by stewards following a 2-0 loss to Ulinzi Stars.
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07:00 - 03.11.2024
What exactly happened? Inside the chaos that erupted at Machakos Stadium during Gor Mahia’s clash against Murang’a Seal
Chaos erupted at Machakos Stadium when Murang'a Seal equalised in the dying minutes of their clash against Gor Mahia which resulted in a 2-2 draw.
This raises a crucial question: Is this acceptable? And where is Kenyan football heading if physical attacks and hooliganism are still occurring in 2024?
First, let's address the elephant in the room. Gor Mahia had already been making headlines for the wrong reasons when some of their players participated in unsanctioned friendly matches for A Mosquito FC.
The likes of Musa Masika, Enock Morrison, Rooney Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, and Chris Ochieng were among those involved.
As a result, Neiva dropped the players for their clash against Nairobi City Stars, seeking to discipline them for their actions. With Rooney and Austin away on international duty for Kenya's CHAN 2024 qualifiers, the rest were benched. The depleted side suffered a 2-1 defeat, angering the fans.
Heading into the match against Murang’a Seal, there was pressure on the players and staff to deliver a win. Pulse Sports understands that Neiva was urged by the club's management to reinstate the disciplined players, with only Onyango and Austin remaining absent due to national duty.
Despite Gor Mahia's dominant first-half performance and a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime, chaos ensued in the second half.
The team allowed Murang’a Seal to claw back, and when Elly Saenyi equalized in the final minute, furious Gor fans stormed the gates leading to the pitch, demanding accountability for poor performances.
At full time, some fans managed to confront Neiva, landing blows that left him bloodied. Police intervention, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, was necessary to disperse the crowd.
The club has yet to issue a statement about the unfortunate incident. However, resorting to violence against a coach due to poor results is indefensible.
The next day at Kinoru Stadium in Meru, AFC Leopards fans threatened similar violence against Tomas Trucha following their 2-0 defeat to Ulinzi Stars.
Stewards and police had to step in to protect the coach, preventing a potential escalation. Just a week earlier, Leopards fans had issued a warning letter to Trucha after a shock loss to Murang’a Seal, demanding better results or risk their wrath.
While fan frustration directed at coaches is not new, such incidents have not occurred in recent memory. It seemed as if Kenyan football had moved past this phase, adopting more civil and constructive ways of dealing with disappointment. However, these recent events have proven otherwise.
I found myself caught in the chaos, inhaling tear gas and momentarily losing focus on my primary task of securing post-match interviews. The scene became more distressing when a frightened five-year-old girl, separated from her guardian, repeatedly cried out, “Where is mommy? Where is mommy?”
The tear gas quickly filled the VIP stands, causing burning sensations in my nose and throat and making my eyes water.
![[VIDEO] AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha escapes wrath of angry fans after Ulinzi Stars loss](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/03112024/e18b8bcd-3659-4f97-ae2f-53f48f19137c.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
21:00 - 03.11.2024
[VIDEO] AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha escapes wrath of angry fans after Ulinzi Stars loss
AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha was in the receiving end after angry supporters accosted him following Ingwe’s loss to Ulinzi Stars in Meru on Sunday.
Imagine the trauma experienced by that little girl? With her whole life ahead of her, would she ever want to return to a football stadium? For her, this could have been a first-time experience, one now likely to be her last due to fear and trauma.
This is not just wrong; it projects a negative image of Kenyan football, especially with the upcoming 2024 CHAN tournament, which Kenya is set to co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
If the sport is to thrive, immediate action must be taken to end the culture of violence and ensure that attending a football match is safe for all, including families and children.
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