Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has rallied Kenyans to show up in full force and support the national football team, Harambee Stars, as the country hosts the much-anticipated African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.

In a statement ahead of the opening matches on August 2, 2025, Murkomen called on citizens to embrace the historic moment and create an electric atmosphere in the stadiums that will uplift the players and inspire national pride.

“At long last, CHAN is here with us. Let’s turn up in our numbers and get behind our national team; every voice in the stadium counts,” he stated.

He assured the public and international visitors that the government has put in place elaborate security and logistical arrangements to ensure the safety, comfort, and smooth movement of all fans and guests attending the tournament.

 “We have put elaborate security arrangements in place to ensure safety and smooth movement for our visitors and us,” he stated.

The Cabinet Secretary also encouraged Kenyans to extend warm hospitality to visiting teams and fans, underscoring the importance of national unity and reputation during such a global event.

“Let’s be courteous to our visitors and make their experience in Kenya a memorable one,” he added.

Murkomen’s call comes as anticipation builds for Harambee Stars’ opening fixture at a packed stadium expected to be buzzing with patriotic energy.

“Let’s go, Harambee Stars, we can do it!”

CHAN set to begin

His remarks come a day after the CHAN Local Organising Committee released a list of banned items in stadia as East Africa braces for the much-anticipated tournament, which kicks off on Saturday, August 2, and runs through August 30, 2025, across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

In a statement issued by the LOC, several categories of items will not be allowed past stadium entrances during CHAN 2024 fixtures. The move is intended to minimise potential risks, promote fan comfort, and guarantee the smooth running of matches across all three host countries.

Among the banned items are noise-making and cheering devices, including vuvuzelas, drums, whistles, megaphones, and loudspeakers.

While such tools are commonly used to energise stadiums, organisers have cited the need for clear emergency communication and crowd control as the reason for their restriction.

Noise-making items such as vuvuzelas, whistles, drums, megaphones, loudspeakers, and other similar cheering instruments. Weapons and dangerous objects, including firearms (replicas), knives, sharp or bladed tools, fireworks, flares, explosives, gas canisters, and other flammable or incendiary materials, are not allowed.

In the list are offensive or political materials, banners, flags, or signs bearing political, religious, racial, or discriminatory language or imagery. Outside or takeaway food and beverages are not permitted. All sorts of animals are not allowed in stadiums as well.

”We urge all fans to comply with stadium rules and maintain calm. Let us show up in large numbers to support the Harambee Stars and ensure a safe tournament,” the department said.