Kenya Premier League rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have been put on notice over cases of stadium vandalism ahead of the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby slated for Sunday, March 30 2025.

CHAN Local Organizing Committee chairman Nicholas Musonye warned that the teams risk getting banned from using the stadia if a case of vandalism from their fans is reported during the most watched football game in the country.

The warning comes as Kenya through the Local Organizing Committee ramps up plans for the hosting of the CHAN 2025.

 “The FKF President has been just polite but I’m saying it.  If we are going to play a match here and a seat is destroyed or there are stones being thrown around, those two teams will not be allowed to play here. I hope you understand what I am saying,” Musonye said.

Musonye has additionally hinted at closing off the two venues after the derby clash in a bid to keep them in proper conditions ahead of the continental games.

“We are only four months to CHAN so if we overplay Kasarani and Nyayo the stadium will not be in good conditions for CHAN,” he said.

Musonye comments come after Nyayo Stadium staged the Kenya vs Gabon 2026 World Cup tie on Sunday.

The event marked an eager return to football action for Kenyan fans following a long hiatus that saw Harambee Stars denied hosting any FIFA-approved match for the lack of a fitting stadium as per the requirements set by FIFA.

Kenya staged some of its continental home games in Malawi including several World Cup qualifier games.

Speaking during a past event Musonye emphasizes their commitment as the Local Organizing Committee to deliver an event that Kenyans will be proud of after the competitions was called off.

“CAF provided reasons for postponing the games. All three hosts had issues to resolve; it’s not just Kenya. We are now relieved to have more time,” Musonye stated.

CHAN and AFCON preparations

“They have moved the games to August, and you will see a difference. We have a strong marketing and media team that will promote this competition effectively. Kenyans will be aware that the tournament is coming here. We hadn’t done this earlier due to time constraints, but I’m assuring you that we are starting next week,” Musonye added. 

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are set to jointly host the 2027 African Cup of Nations after earning the hosting rights from CAF.

The biennial tournament starting this August aims to assess the preparedness and capacity of the the host nations ahead of the continental football bonanza.

The CHAN tournament was initially scheduled to be held in February but later postponed to August for lack of proper infrastructural development.