Panic broke out at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday after police fired teargas to control unrest during the Kenya Premier League match between AFC Leopards and Shabana FC.
Trouble reportedly started outside the stadium when large numbers of fans were denied entry due to crowd control measures.
Frustrated supporters gathered near the gates, leading to confrontations with security officers. Police responded by firing teargas to disperse the crowd, forcing many fans to retreat.
Tensions did not fully settle after kickoff. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online showed officers deploying teargas inside the stadium as unrest flared in sections of the stands.
Spectators were seen running for safety as smoke spread across seating areas. Some sections became temporarily uninhabitable due to the fumes.
The high-pressure nature of the match may have contributed to the charged atmosphere. The fixture carried major implications in the title race.
AFC Leopards took control early, scoring two first-half goals through Samuel Semo and Tyson Otieno. Shabana responded with a goal from Wycliffe Awiko, but Samuel Ssenyonjo extended Leopards’ lead soon after.
The victory places AFC Leopards within six points of league leaders Gor Mahia, while Shabana remains third with 40 points. Despite the action on the pitch, attention quickly shifted to concerns over crowd safety and security management.
Many supporters criticized the handling of the situation on social media. Some questioned the decision to use teargas in a crowded stadium, pointing to potential health risks and the danger of stampedes.
The incident follows past crowd control challenges at major football matches. In May 2025, overcrowding during a Nyanza derby involving Shabana and Gor Mahia resulted in injuries after a stampede.
Authorities are now expected to review event planning and security coordination to prevent similar disruptions and ensure fan safety in future fixtures.
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