What was meant to be a thrilling showdown between Butere Girls and Madira Girls in the Mumias football final descended into chaos on Saturday afternoon after fans stormed the pitch, forcing police to fire teargas and officials to stop the match.
The much-anticipated final, played at the fully packed Giles Stadium in Mumias, had reached the 77th minute, with Butere leading 1–0, when tension erupted.
Witnesses say fans, desperate to get a closer view of the action, tried to force their way past security barriers and onto the field.
In response, police threw teargas canisters into the stands to disperse the surging crowd. Unfortunately, the wind carried the gas onto the pitch, affecting both players and officials. Some students were seen coughing and staggering as the gas swept across the field.
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First aid teams rushed in to attend to several students and fans, including some younger children who had accompanied their parents.
The match was immediately stopped, with tournament officials and KSSSA representatives meeting behind to determine the next course of action.
Amid the escalating chaos, Ministry’s Field Coordinator is Nelson M. Sifuna, who serves as the Head of the Directorate of Field Coordination and Co‑curricular Activities, was forced to step in and calm the situation.
Grabbing a loudspeaker, he addressed the unruly crowd directly from the centre of the pitch.
“Tafadhali tunaomba msamaha… tunaomba wote mtulie,” he said, his voice rising above the noise (Please, we sincerely apologize… we ask everyone to remain calm.)
Despite his appeal, the situation remained volatile, and the match officials called off the game.
By Joseph Mambili
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