President William Ruto has made an important appeal to Kenyan football fans ahead of the highly anticipated match between Kenya and Zambia, which will take place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on August 17.
Speaking at State House Nairobi on August 15 during a meeting with leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties, President Ruto urged all Kenyans who will attend the match to strictly follow the rules and regulations set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Ruto assured the public that the Harambee Stars have prepared well and are in a good position to win the game, but he insisted that discipline and orderliness from the fans are equally important.
“On Sunday, we have a match between Kenya and Zambia at Kasarani. I ask Kenyans, let’s not cause distractions. Let’s ensure we follow the procedures and the CAF rules,” Ruto said.
He repeated his call for respect and proper conduct, noting that abiding by CAF regulations will help protect Kenya’s reputation and allow future matches to proceed smoothly.
“When you go to the match, let’s make sure that we follow the CAF rules. This is important so that we can continue our football game in a fair and safe way. Let’s make sure we build our nation’s reputation as a country that plays football fairly and with respect,” he added.
The President emphasized that only those with valid tickets should go to the stadium and remain orderly.
He announced that the government has put alternative viewing centers across Nairobi to reduce overcrowding in Kasarani and to avoid any possibility of sanctions from CAF.
Ruto also praised Kenyan fans for their great support in cheering on Harambee Stars, but reminded them to exercise restraint and maintain high standards of discipline.
“I want to tell all fans, including the people of Kenya, that you have done a tremendous job supporting Harambee Stars. But we must do this within the limits of what is allowed by CAF. Therefore, I’m urging everyone to be restrained,” he said.
He added that even those who cannot get tickets will still have an opportunity to enjoy the match from other designated fan zones in Nairobi that will be equipped with large screens and security support.
“Those who have tickets must be orderly, and for those who cannot make it to Kasarani, we are creating other areas in the city so that we do not spoil the chances for Harambee Stars and our country,” he explained.
The government has set up six official fan zones where supporters can watch the match live on big screens with police officers present to ensure public safety. These fan zones aim to give every supporter a chance to feel the excitement of the match while preventing congestion at the main stadium.
Official fan zones in Nairobi:
- Uhuru Park
- Lucky Summer (Ngomongo Area, behind Kasarani Stadium)
- Dandora Stadium
- Utalii (Stima Club)
- Jacaranda Grounds
- Kibera DC Grounds
The Kenya vs Zambia match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM (EAT) at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
President Ruto’s message serves as a strong reminder that national pride is not only about winning on the field, but also about showing good behavior, discipline, and respect off the field.
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