Shabana Football Club has filed a case with the Sports Disputes Tribunal, contesting the decision by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to ban its supporters from attending matches. The ban follows unrest and destruction reported at the Ulinzi Complex during a match last weekend.
Shabana, represented by lawyers Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui, Sam Nyaberi, and Paul Macharia, argues that the ban will cause significant financial losses in upcoming matches. The legal team asserts that the order barring fans from attending is unwarranted and lacks proper evidence.
Omari claims there is no proof that Shabana FC fans were responsible for the damages at Ulinzi Stadium, citing the absence of CCTV footage to support the FKF’s decision. He emphasized that the ban was overly punitive and that no Shabana fans had been given a chance to present their side of the story.
“This decision is excessively punitive. None of the Shabana fans were invited to explain the events, and there seems to be an attempt to stifle talent from Gusii land,” Omari said.
He added that the ban would not only hurt the club but also the local economy, including hotels and small vendors who depend on the influx of fans. “Many have already booked accommodations, and small businesses, especially vendors selling bananas, will lose a lot if this ban is upheld,” Omari said, calling on President William Ruto and Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene.
The dispute stems from a chaotic match between Ulinzi and Shabana, which ended in a 2-2 draw. On September 25, 2024, FKF Chairman for Club Competitions, Michael Majua, issued a directive banning Shabana FC fans from attending the next five matches. The club was also ordered to cover the medical expenses of officers injured during the altercation at Ulinzi Complex.
