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The biggest-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) is in full swing, with fans across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda celebrating the continent’s football showcase. But in Nairobi, the celebrations have crossed the line, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to fine Kenya $50,000 for multiple safety and security breaches during Sunday’s match against Morocco.
CAF warned that if Kenya fails to meet safety requirements, it could relocate the national team’s matches to another venue. The football body urged authorities to boost security by deploying more personnel and enforcing road closures on match days.
Trouble began during the tournament’s opening match on 3 August against DR Congo, when fans broke into Kasarani Stadium without tickets, attacked staff, and even lit a fire inside the venue. The atmosphere intensified after Kenya’s shock win over pre-tournament favourites Morocco, leading to more crowd trouble.
CAF cited several violations, including fans overrunning stadium gates, the use of tear gas and flash grenades, reports of live ammunition being fired, and violent incidents against security personnel. In total, security breaches at Kasarani have cost the Football Kenya Federation over $17,000 in fines.
Nicholas Musonye, chair of CHAN’s Local Organising Committee, warned that further crowd trouble during Sunday’s match against Zambia could cost Kenya the right to host the quarter-finals — and potentially damage its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations hosting bid.
“We are disappointed because a few individuals have violated regulations, breaking into the stadium and forcing their way through,” Musonye said.
As a consequence, CAF has capped attendance for Sunday’s match in Nairobi at 27,000 — just 60% of Kasarani’s capacity — in an effort to prevent further chaos.
