CAF has frozen ticket sales for all upcoming fixtures at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, including next Sunday’s Kenya vs Zambia clash, after major safety and security breaches marred the Harambee Stars’ game against Morocco.
The incidents, before and during the match, involved a broken gate, entry by fans without tickets, overcrowding beyond capacity, invasion of the media centre, and the use of tear gas.
CAF’s disciplinary and safety committees are investigating and will determine the next steps.
In an email, ticketing service provider Mookh Africa confirmed the suspension will last until further notice from the organisers.
“After the security breach in Kasarani yesterday, ticket sales for Kasarani games have been suspended until further notice from the organisers,” the Mookh Support Team said.
The suspension follows an incident on Sunday when hundreds of Kenyan fans were denied entry into Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, despite holding what appeared to be valid tickets for the Kenya versus Morocco match.
Fans were seen breaching a gate at the stadium, entering the venue while security guards watched. Supporters dressed in jerseys chanted and made their way inside before being stopped.
Many fans said they were turned away after being told their tickets had already been scanned. The problem is believed to stem from individuals buying tickets in bulk and reselling counterfeit copies to unsuspecting buyers.
“There are people selling us fake tickets,” Anthony Ochieng’, a disappointed supporter, said.
Another fan, John Ngui, added, “There are people who buy many tickets and don’t even attend the game.”
Victims reported paying between Sh300 and Sh1,000 for fake tickets. On match days, a thriving resale market operates outside Kasarani, with rogue vendors openly selling passes. Official ticket prices are Sh200 for regular, Sh500 for VIP, and Sh1,000 for VVIP, each valid for a single match during the month-long tournament.
As frustration grew, some supporters resorted to jumping over the perimeter fence to enter the stadium illegally. Despite a heavy security presence, several managed to breach the venue, causing a near stampede.
The incident has raised concerns from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has already fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh2.5 million for poor crowd control. CAF warned of harsher sanctions if similar disruptions happen during the tournament.
The government and FKF had also urged CHAN fans to remain disciplined and comply with stadium rules, stressing that any further crowd disturbances will not be tolerated.
