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BY Dennis WANYONYI
Shabana Football Club has filed an appeal with the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) in a bid to overturn a recent ban imposed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). The ban was enacted in response to alleged violence and property destruction that occurred during a match at the Ulinzi Complex last weekend.
Represented by prominent city lawyers Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui, Sam Nyaberi, and Paul Macharia, the club argues that the FKF’s decision is not only unjust but also financially devastating. Speaking at a press conference, Omari revealed that Shabana FC could lose over KSh 500 million per match if the ban, which prevents fans from attending their next five games, is upheld.
Omari further challenged the FKF’s ruling, stating that there is no concrete evidence directly linking Shabana FC supporters to the alleged incidents. “There is no CCTV footage or any other form of evidence showing that Shabana fans were responsible for the destruction at the Ulinzi stadium,” he argued. Omari condemned the federation’s actions as excessively punitive, claiming that Shabana fans were not given a fair opportunity to present their side of the story.
Beyond the financial implications for the club, Omari emphasized the wider economic impact on the local community. He noted that the ban would not only affect the team’s revenue but also harm local businesses that depend on matchday crowds. “Hotels are already booked, and vendors, including ‘mama mbogas’ and banana sellers, will lose significant income if fans are barred from attending matches. This especially affects those traveling from the city to support the team,” he said.
Omari called on President Dr. William Ruto and Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene, suggesting that the decision is part of a larger plot by certain groups to stifle talent development in Gusii land. “There is a plot to kill talent from the Gusii region, and we urge the highest levels of government to step in and protect this club from the actions of these cartels,” he added.
The controversy stems from a match that ended in a 2-2 draw between Ulinzi Stars and Shabana FC. Following the match, FKF Chairman Michael Majua issued directives on September 25, 2024, banning Shabana FC fans from attending five matches and requiring the club to cover the medical expenses of officers injured during the incident at the Ulinzi Complex.
As the appeal moves forward, Shabana FC hopes to overturn the decision and restore its ability to host matches with fan attendance, which they argue is crucial not just for the club but for the surrounding community as well.
