FKF investigating chaos in the abandoned Zoo, Nairobi clash

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Barry Otieno is tight lipped on the chaos which rocked Zoo FC versus Nairobi United on Sunday in Nakuru, which was abandoned in the second half.

 The Football Kenya Federation Men’s Division One League Playoff was stopped in the 85th minute, following crowd trouble to guarantee the safety of the players, match officials, fans and support staff.

 At the time of the abandonment, Nairobi United had just gone ahead courtesy of an 80th minute goal by Brian Lusamukha.

The ugly incident saw a Nation Media Group journalist John Njoroge roughed up, and forced to delete photos he had taken by unruly goons.

 When Citizen Digital  reached the FKF CEO on the matter Monday afternoon, he was firm that the relevant standing committee - FKF Leagues and Competitions committee - was handling the matter, hinting proper action will be taken upon conclusion of investigations.

 "Right now I cannot make any comments, the issue is being handled by the disciplinary committee, they’re the ones who will give further directions,” he said.

Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) on Monday also demanded answers from the federation, citing the unfortunate case of Mr. John Njoroge.

 "It has come to our attention that photographer John Njoroge, a distinguished member of the Nation Media Group, was subjected to an unacceptable and deplorable act of harassment by a group of fans.

“These individuals demanded the deletion of recorded footage, particularly related to a pitch invasion, and even went as far as to attempt the forceful confiscation of the camera. This incident violates the fundamental rights of journalists and stands as a challenge that we believe warrants your immediate attention and intervention

"We urgently implore the football Kenya Federation to take stern and unambiguous measures against the individuals responsible for this reprehensible act...,” read part of the letter, signed by SJAK Secretary General Moses Wakhisi.

Incidences of hooliganism in Kenyan football have started springing again, in elite leagues, another challenge in the country as the federation struggles to clean up the match fixing mess.