Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar has voiced concern over Kenya’s ability to host future international football tournaments if fan indiscipline continues to overshadow the game. His remarks come after a series of security breaches and misconduct during Kenya’s matches at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Kenya has already faced heavy sanctions, accumulating fines of nearly Ksh13 million from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to unruly fan behaviour. The most notable incident occurred in the match against Morocco, where fans overwhelmed security and caused an overflow at Kasarani Stadium. Such actions have put the country under strict scrutiny, with CAF taking immediate measures to curb the situation.
For the upcoming clash against Zambia, CAF has reduced the number of fans allowed inside Kasarani by half. The governing body has also issued a stern warning that Kenya could be forced to play its home matches outside the country if the misconduct persists.
Omar expressed his fears that this trend could jeopardize Kenya’s ambitions to host more prestigious events, particularly with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. He emphasized that how fans conduct themselves is as important as how the team performs on the pitch.
The Harambee Stars captain appealed directly to supporters, reminding them that their passion is vital but must be expressed responsibly. “Our dear Kenyan fans, your passion inspires us every day. Let’s remember that how we support also shapes our future as hosts. Storming gates can hurt our chances of bringing such tournaments back home. Football is about unity, respect, and bringing nations together so if you don’t have a ticket, please celebrate with us from home and keep the spirit of the game alive,” he urged.
Kenya’s reputation as a reliable host is on the line, and fan behaviour could influence the number and quality of matches the country gets during AFCON 2027. With the Harambee Stars already through to the quarter-finals of CHAN 2024, discipline off the pitch will be as crucial as performance on it in ensuring that Kenya’s footballing future remains bright.
