There was a moment of chaos at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, June 29, after police fired tear gas canisters into the stands to control a group of rowdy football fans.
The incident happened shortly after Nairobi United made history by beating Gor Mahia 2-1 in a dramatic Mozzart Bet Cup final.
The victory marked a huge milestone for Nairobi United, who are new to top-tier football, having only recently been promoted from the National Super League.
According to videos shared with Newshub.co.ke, panic broke out when tear gas was thrown into the crowd. Fans were seen fleeing in different directions, trying to avoid the smoke and confusion caused by the sudden use of tear gas.
The exact cause of the unrest remains unclear, but the police action appeared to be aimed at controlling sections of the crowd that had become unruly.
The fans were clearly unsettled by both the tear gas and the heavy security presence. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported during the incident, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
One of the key reasons for the tight security was the presence of high-profile guests and dignitaries attending the much-anticipated final.
Among them were former Harambee Stars legend Dennis Oliech, FKF President Hussein Mohammed, and Salim Ali — a former Mathare United and Harambee Stars player.
Also present was Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who has a major stake in Nairobi United after acquiring the club in 2024.
His ownership has been seen as a turning point for the club, which has quickly risen through Kenya’s football ranks under his leadership.
In terms of the match, Nairobi United took the lead early in the 6th minute through a spectacular overhead kick by Frank Ouya. Gor Mahia responded in the 37th minute with a goal of their own, briefly leveling the match.
However, the NSL champions sealed their victory in the second half thanks to a crucial goal from Enock Machaka, sending their fans into celebration.
With this win, Nairobi United will now go on to represent Kenya in the Confederations Cup — a proud moment for the club and its supporters. The club’s rapid growth under Sakaja’s leadership has been seen as a major success story in Kenyan football.
This isn’t the first time a Gor Mahia match has experienced disturbances. The club is known for its passionate and often emotional fanbase.
Just a few weeks ago, on May 4, 2025, several fans were injured in a stampede at the Gusii Stadium during a Kenya Premier League clash between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC.
That incident highlighted the need for better crowd control and more effective security measures during high-stakes matches.
Sunday’s tear gas incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring safety and calm in football stadiums, especially during major events attended by both dignitaries and large fan turnouts.
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