What should have been a night of jubilation turned into a brief spell of chaos at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, June 29, when police deployed teargas canisters to control a section of unruly fans moments after Nairobi United sealed a sensational 2-1 victory over Gor Mahia to clinch the Mozzart Bet Cup. It was a game of firsts, emotions, and friction — a historic win marred by an all-too-familiar episode of crowd trouble.

The chaos unfolded immediately after the final whistle, following Nairobi United’s dramatic performance that dethroned the defending champions. Celebrations quickly spiraled into confusion as police, reportedly reacting to surging fans in the stands, responded with force. Teargas clouds filled the stadium, forcing many attendees to scatter in panic. Thankfully, no injuries were officially reported, though the incident exposed persistent concerns about crowd management in Kenyan football.

High Stakes, High Tension

A significant factor behind the intense security presence was the attendance of high-profile dignitaries, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja — now a club stakeholder after his acquisition of Nairobi United in 2024. Also spotted were football legends like Dennis Oliech, FKF President Hussein Mohammed, and Harambee Stars' Salim Ali.

This elevated status of the event added pressure on law enforcement to prevent any disturbances. Ironically, that very vigilance contributed to the panic. Videos show the crowd fleeing from the stands after a tear gas canister landed nearby, creating a chaotic scene that overshadowed the post-match celebrations.

The Match That Shook Kenyan Football

The football itself was nothing short of electrifying. Frank Ouya's spectacular overhead goal in the 6th minute set the tone early, giving Nairobi United a dream start. Gor Mahia retaliated with a goal in the 37th minute, but Enock Machaka restored the lead in the second half with a composed finish that ultimately sealed the deal. 

The result handed Nairobi United their first major domestic cup title — and a ticket to represent Kenya at the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.

It was a symbolic culmination of the club’s fast rise under Sakaja's stewardship. Nairobi United, once a lower-tier underdog, now stands tall as the new face of competitive Kenyan football.

Gor Mahia's Troubled Legacy

Gor Mahia’s fanbase has a long-standing reputation for emotional extremes — passionate loyalty that sometimes crosses into volatile behavior. Their matches frequently draw massive crowds, and unfortunately, incidents of unrest. Just weeks earlier, during a Kenya Premier League clash against Shabana FC in May 2025, a stampede erupted at the Gusii Stadium, leaving several fans injured.

This latest incident underscores the critical need for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and stadium authorities to establish better crowd control measures — especially in high-stakes matches involving teams like Gor Mahia.

Looking Ahead

While Nairobi United savors a watershed moment in their football journey, the government and sports authorities must reckon with the double-edged sword of the sport’s rising popularity. Passion is inevitable. But unchecked, it turns dangerous — as Sunday night proved.

Kenyan football’s next chapter will require more than just talent on the pitch. It demands structure, foresight, and crowd management systems that respect the spirit of the game while protecting its spectators.