By Collins Wanzallah
Shabana Football Club has filed an appeal with the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) challenging a recent ban imposed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in connection with the violence and property damage that occurred at the Ulinzi Complex Stadium in Nairobi last weekend.
The club, represented by city lawyers Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui, Sam Nyaberi, and Paul Macharia, held a press conference in Nairobi, arguing that the ban will result in significant financial losses for the club. Omari stated that the team stands to lose substantial revenue for every match played without fans, as the ban applies to five home games.
Omari further argued that there is no concrete evidence linking Shabana FC fans to the property damage at the stadium. He claimed that available evidence, including CCTV footage, has not identified Shabana supporters as those responsible for the destruction, adding that Ulinzi Stars fans could also have been involved.
“This decision is excessively punitive. None of the Shabana fans were given a chance to explain their side of the story, and this seems like a plot to stifle talent from the Gusii region,” said Omari. He went on to emphasize the economic impact of the ban, noting that hotels in Gusii are already fully booked ahead of the return match. “Local vendors, such as mama mbogas and banana sellers, will suffer significant financial losses if fans are banned, especially those traveling from the city,” Omari said.
The lawyers also called on President William Ruto, Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Gusii leaders to intervene and protect the club from what they referred to as “cartels” attempting to sabotage Shabana FC.
The match between Ulinzi Stars and Shabana FC ended in a 2-2 draw. Following the incident, FKF Chairman of Competitions Michael Majua issued a directive banning Shabana FC fans from attending five matches and requiring the club to cover medical expenses for the officers injured during the match at the Ulinzi Complex.
