Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has addressed the concerns and criticism surrounding the coronation ceremony for Gor Mahia FC, explaining the reasons for deviating from the traditional setup.

During the awarding of Gor Mahia’s 20th title, the team received their medals in the VIP area instead of the customary champion podium with an arc, red carpet, and Champions pause banner.

FKF set up for Gor Mahia

FKF clarified that they had prepared a proper setup for the coronation ceremony, including the Champions podium, arc, red carpet, models, and confetti at Kasarani Stadium.

However, the celebration was disrupted by a large number of enthusiastic fans who invaded the pitch after the final whistle. Despite efforts to remove the fans, their overwhelming presence made it difficult to proceed as planned.

“In response to the criticism regarding the awarding of the Gor Mahia team after winning the league,” reads a statement by FKF.

“It is important to note that Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had made arrangements to celebrate and crown the league winners at both Kasarani and Mumias stadiums

“At the Kasarani stadium, all the necessary elements, including the Champions podium, arc, red carpet, Champions pause banner, models, and confetti, had been set up, ready for the coronation ceremony to commence,” the statement added.

Safety concerns

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, FKF made the decision to proceed with the awarding of medals and the trophy to Gor Mahia in the VIP area.

The federation holds that they intended to honour and acknowledge the league winners in a befitting manner.

This is how Gor Mahia players were crowned as the FKF PL Champions earlier today at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. We need to declare war against FKF and the Ministry of Sports. Let it be very personal! This is a joke! pic.twitter.com/8hJ2WbzIND

— EDGAR 🇰🇪 (@edgarwabwire_) June 25, 2023

“However, a large number of enthusiastic fans overwhelmed the security measures in place and invaded the pitch.

“Efforts to remove the fans from the field proved challenging due to their sheer numbers and determination to be a part of the celebration,” they stated.

“Under these circumstances, a decision was made to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to proceed with the awarding of medals and the trophy to Gor Mahia at the VIP area

“It is worth noting that similar arrangements had also been made at the Mumias Complex, where Tusker was playing against Vihiga,” the federation confirmed.

Plans not for Gor Mahia alone

“These preparations were not limited to Gor Mahia alone but were intended to acknowledge and honour the league winner in a fitting manner,” the statement added.

FKF emphasized that the alteration to the original plan for the coronation ceremony was made in the best interest of all parties involved.

Gor Mahia won the league after ending the season on a high. K’Ogalo came back from 1-0 to claim the 4-1 win and eventually beat Tusker to the title.

Benson Omala, Peter Lwasa, Austin Odhiambo, and Alpha Onyango scored the vital goals that ensured Gor Mahia weathered the storm to win the title race.