Ruto urges Kenyans to maintain discipline ahead of Harambee Stars-Zambia showdown

President William Ruto has called on Harambee Stars fans to maintain discipline during the team's Sunday match against Zambia at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

While saying the team has done the country proud with their impressive run at the African Nations Championship competition, popularly known as CHAN, President Ruto called fans to be in their best behavior as well.

"Fans and the people of Kenya, you have done a tremendous job cheering Harambee Stars, but we must do so within the parameters of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)," he said on Friday.

He made the remarks when he addressed a delegation of leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties at State House, Nairobi.

He urged fans without tickets to enjoy the match at the public viewing arenas that have been set up across the city by Nairobi County government.

President Ruto was responding to the chaotic scenes witnessed during Harambee Stars match versus Morocco, which saw rogue supporters breach Kasarani's security.

The Head of State’s remarks came after the government tightened security measures following the chaos that ensued during the Kenya-Morocco clash.

The fracas prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to impose a Ksh.12 million fine on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Motorists have since been advised to avoid using Thika Road on Sunday, August 17, during the highly anticipated match between Kenya and Zambia.

In a traffic advisory issued on Friday by Joseph Chirchir, Officer Commanding Traffic in Nairobi County, several key roads will be closed and diversions put in place to ease movement around the city.

These include Aerodrome Road (from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout), Lang'ata Road (from Madaraka Roundabout to Lusaka Roundabout) and Mombasa Road (from Lusaka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout). 

The Nairobi traffic boss provided five alternative routes for motorists plying the Thika Superhighway.

Motorists from Nairobi CBD planning to use Thika Road were advised to use the Kiambu Road at Exit 4. Those heading to Mwiki were advised to Ruaraka-Baba Dogo-Lucky Summer-Nairobi River route.

On the other hand, motorists heading to Nairobi from either Thika, Juja or Ruiru will either use the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road as there will be a roadblock at the Ruiru interchange. 

Vehicles from Githurai to Nairobi CBD will use the Githurai 44-Kiambu Road, while those from Nairobi heading to Kasarani Stadium without vehicle access will be required to use the service lane at Exit 7 and Exit 8. 

Alternatively, motorists from Mombasa Road going to CBD will use the Likoni-Enterprise Road at General Motors and the Southern Bypass at Ole Sereni.

Drivers heading to CBD from Lang'ata Road will use the Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road at Mbagathi Roundabout. 

The traffic plan is part of comprehensive logistical arrangements to ensure the successful hosting of CHAN 2024, with thousands of fans and dignitaries expected to attend the match.