An armed Zoo Kericho FC fan stormed the pitch to attack Bandari FC players who were having confrontations with their host after the final whistle pitting the two Kenyan Premier League side at Kericho Green stadium on September 16, 2018. Photo/Stafford Ondego

FKF and KPL open investigations as Bandari players confronted security officer in Kericho

Bandari FC want Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to take disciplinary action against Zoo Kericho after their players were allegedly attacked by an armed gun man during Sunday’s match at Kericho Stadium.

According to Bandari Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edward Oduor trouble started at the end of the match, when two of his players were accosted by an official of Zoo Kericho.

“He accosted two of our players who refurbed him. After that the gun man who looked drunk also joined in but quick action by our kit manager saw him get overpowered. It is scaring to imagine what would have happened had he shot,” said Oduor. The man, an administration police entered the field of play and confronted players from the visiting team who later attacked him as he wielded his gun threatening to shoot before he was overwhelmed by Bandari FC kit manager Ken Onyachi. Photo/Stafford Ondego

He said the gunman was later taken away by fellow security men and disarmed.

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) CEO Jack Oguda said they have reached out to Bandari after the incident and are waiting for the club to write to them before the matter can be tabled in the disciplinary committee.

“We have been made aware of the incident and are waiting for an official complaint to take it to the disciplinary committee for deliberations and a decision,” he said.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also weighed in on the incident with CEO Robert Muthomi saying they are waiting for KPL to take action before they can act.

“It is up to KPL to act on the incident before we take it up. In the meantime, we have asked for a report from both clubs as well as the referee and match commissioner to be aware of what transpired,” said Muthomi. FKF and KPL open investigations Photo/Stafford Ondego

However, Zoo Kericho have disputed the version of events as explained by Bandari.

Club chairman Ken Ochieng instead blamed some Bandari players for starting the fracas.

“The match ended in a very acrimonious manner after we equalized. We know the man captured with a gun as he is a former player of our club. He was accosted by Bandari players and pushed to the ground as he tried to reach out to one of their players he knew,” explained Ochieng. Bandari players confronted the security officer Photo/Stafford Ondego

He said the security man never tried to draw his gun but instead was trying to ensure it has not dropped.

“He was not drunk as claimed by Bandari as he does not take alcohol. Even in the pictures doing rounds, nowhere do we see people scampering for safety.”