Tight security around Kasarani ahead of Kenya-Zambia CHAN clash

Security has been heightened along the Thika Superhighway near the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, ahead of Kenya’s Harambee Stars match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

Fans began streaming into the stadium early Sunday, with authorities keen to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed during recent clashes against Morocco and DR Congo.

Unlike in previous match days, vehicles were barred from passing through the Roysambu roundabout.

By mid-morning, sections of the busy highway had also been blocked near Ruiru and at Muthaiga, forcing diversions and causing heavy traffic snarl-ups along Kiambu Road.

The stringent measures follow sanctions imposed on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after supporters forced their way into Kasarani during the Morocco fixture.

In Nairobi’s city centre, three giant screens have been mounted at Uhuru Park for fans to follow the much-anticipated CHAN encounter, with security teams conducting thorough checks at the venue.

Last week, CAF slapped Kenya with a Ksh.6.5 million fine for breaching multiple security protocols during Sunday’s match.

FKF was faulted for allowing fans, some without tickets, to overrun police barricades, forcing their way into the stadium and exceeding the required capacity, among other breaches.