The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ordered that the CAF Champions League second-round first-leg encounter between Kenya Police FC and Sudan’s Al Hilal be played behind closed doors at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The decision comes amid heightened national security and logistical concerns following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Initially scheduled for Nyayo National Stadium, the match was later moved to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. However, after Kasarani was designated as the venue for the public viewing of Odinga’s body, CAF shifted the fixture once again to the military-run Ulinzi Sports Complex. The game will take place on Friday at 3 PM but without fans in attendance, marking one of the rare occasions a CAF match in Kenya is played behind closed doors.
CAF’s directive follows mounting pressure on national security agencies, who are already deployed to manage large public gatherings connected to Odinga’s state funeral. Authorities reportedly advised CAF that accommodating fans during this period could overstretch resources and potentially create security challenges.
In addition to the national mourning, logistical issues at the Ulinzi Sports Complex also influenced CAF’s decision. Despite being a modern facility operated by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the venue lacks the large-scale spectator infrastructure of Kasarani or Nyayo, making crowd control more complex. CAF’s safety standards for international matches demand advanced emergency response systems and controlled spectator management, which are harder to guarantee under current conditions.
The military nature of the venue also necessitated coordination with several government departments, including defense and interior ministries. These factors collectively led CAF to conclude that a closed-door match would be the most secure and practical solution.
Kenya Police FC Chairman Munga Nyale confirmed the development, expressing disappointment over the absence of fans but reaffirming the team’s determination to secure a home victory. The Law Enforcers, who advanced past Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club on away goals in the preliminary round, view the clash with Al Hilal as a crucial step in their continental campaign.
Despite the disruptions, the team remains focused and motivated to perform well in honor of the late Raila Odinga, whose legacy continues to inspire unity and resilience across the nation.
