The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national finals in Mumias were thrown into disarray following a chaotic scene involving police teargas deployment. The disturbance erupted during the girls’ football final between Butere Girls and Madira Girls, when a surging crowd outside the stadium attempted to force their way in, prompting police to respond with force.
As the pressure built from eager fans trying to gain access to the packed Mumias Sports Complex, police resorted to firing teargas canisters to disperse the increasingly restless group. Unfortunately, the effects of the gas spread inside the stadium, briefly halting the match. The teargas affected not only the spectators but also the players on the pitch, who had to be escorted to safety amid confusion and distress.
The incident unfolded as fans flocked to witness the boys’ final, which featured St. Joseph’s Kitale and Musingu Boys, with much of the excitement driven by the appearance of highly touted young talent Lias Jobo. However, the growing crowd outside overwhelmed security arrangements, exposing gaps in crowd management and stadium capacity planning.
Play between Butere and Madira was temporarily suspended at the start of the second half, with coaches and officials quickly guiding players off the field. After about 20 minutes, calm was restored and additional security was deployed, allowing the games to proceed under heightened vigilance.
Despite the disruption, Butere Girls retained their composure and went on to clinch their third consecutive national title with a narrow 1-0 win over Madira Girls. The match resumed without further incident, but the earlier chaos cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of young sporting talent.
In the wake of the incident, event organizers have called for improved collaboration between law enforcement and event stewards. The need for clear security protocols and effective crowd control measures was highlighted, especially for high-attendance fixtures. While the games eventually resumed, the security lapse raised concerns about the safety of athletes and fans at future tournaments. The incident served as a reminder that successful sports events require not just athletic excellence, but also meticulous logistical and security planning.
