Khalwale urges CAF to allow full stadium capacity ahead of Harambee Stars clash against Madagascar
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 21, 2025Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to allow 100 per cent fan attendance at stadiums during the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Kenya.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Khalwale said CAF should not treat capacity approvals as a favour to Kenyans, noting that security measures had already been considered in stadium designs.
“CAF should appreciate that the capacity of stadia has security factored in. You are not doing any favour. Allow 100% occupancy by fans,” wrote Khalwale.
His remarks come shortly after CAF revised attendance for the Harambee Stars’ quarterfinal clash against Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The governing body had earlier capped attendance at 60 per cent, citing crowd control concerns, but later raised it to 80 per cent following an appeal by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The decision now allows up to 36,000 fans into Kasarani for Friday’s match, an increase from the 27,000 limit enforced during Kenya’s final group-stage tie against Zambia.
Debate over fan limits
While Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed CAF’s latest approval as a boost for the national team, Khalwale believes more can still be done. The senator argues that restricting fans prevents Kenyans from fully rallying behind the Harambee Stars in their historic tournament run.
Kenya’s hosting of CHAN has drawn massive public interest, with official fan zones across Nairobi and other parts of the country recording large turnouts. During the Stars’ win over Zambia, over 50,000 supporters followed the game from viewing centres across the capital.
Khalwale’s call is expected to spark debate among fans, with some supporting full capacity while others back CAF’s cautious approach to ensure safety.
The Harambee Stars face Madagascar in a highly anticipated quarterfinal at Kasarani, with a place in the semifinals of the continental showpiece at stake.