#TusichomeeHarambeeStars: New campaign condemning violence and hooliganism at stadiums launched

Titled #TusichomeeHarambeeStars, the campaign seeks to urge the public to conduct themselves with decorum and graciousness in order to save Kenya from the bad image and financial penalties resulting from violent and unmannerly behaviour from fans.

On X, the hashtag #TusichomeeHarambeeStars has been trending for over 24 hours as Kenyans urge their countrymen to honorably allow the national team play without the negativity associated with raucous and uncouth fans.

While being urged to eschew chaos and unruly stampedes, fans are being reminded that 'Ukileta Fujo Umebant' - a slogan which simply calls out violent behavior as a deterrent to a successful match.

Nicholas Gitobu wrote, "Our boys have played great football so far and its now for the fans to behave. #TusichomeeHarambeeStars. We risk having our matches taken to Tanzania due to stampede and fans' bad behaviour.Chorea Vurugu. Ukileta Fujo Umebant."

Someone else wrote, "Breaching stadium security puts both players and fans at risk of overcrowding, stampedes, and dangerous clashes. Get your ticket early, be on time, cheer with energy, and keep it calm guys. Avoid trouble on this Sunday."

Yet another concerned football lover wrote, "When stadium capacity is cut because of fan trouble, the electric atmosphere of a full stadium is replaced by a flat and uninspiring environment. Sponsors value stability and safety. Violence in the stands makes them walk away, taking funding with them. #TusichomeeHarambeeStars."

On her part Grace Kamau wrote, "Stadium rules exist to keep the game safe for all. Breaking them risks the future of the Harambee Stars and the enjoyment of fans. A stadium should be a place where families, children, and fans of all ages feel safe. Disorderly fans ruin that experience for everyone. #TusichomeeHarambeeStars."

Already, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has demanded "tangible actions" from Kenya to address breach of stadium security by fans during Harambee Stars matches at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championships (Chan). 

Ahead of Kenya's highly-anticipated Group 'A" clash against giants Morocco on Sunday, scores of impatient fans overwhelmed security officers and jumped over the gates at the 48,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has highlighted "repeated and serious security lapses" at Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium when the Harambee Stars have been in action.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was fined $15,000 (Ksh. 1.9 million) for trouble at their opening match, and further sanctions are expected to follow after more incidents at Sunday's game against Morocco.

A Caf board found FKF guilty of breaching its disciplinary, safety and security regulations when Kenya faced DR Congo on 3 August.

It fined FKF for a stampede, unauthorised access to the Kasarani and an assault on Caf personnel and guests, and issued a warning about a fire being ignited inside the stadium.

Yet more problems arose when supporters then flocked to the Kasarani, officially known as the Moi International Sports Centre, to see Kenya face pre-tournament favourites Morocco.

Overcrowding was clear in several areas and Caf also flagged major security lapses, including: Overrunning of stadium gates by ticketless spectators, breaches of the perimeter fence and loss of control at exit points.

There were also several other violent incidents, including stone-throwing at security personnel, use of tear gas and flash grenades and inadequate police response.

Kenya is co-hosting CHAN, African football's biennial international competition for home-based players, alongside Tanzania and Uganda - and stadium security issues in Nairobi were highlighted before the delayed tournament kicked off.

The East African trio are also set to jointly stage the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.