African Nations Championship (CHAN) Local Organizing Committee chairperson Nicholas Musonye has shed light on why certain government officials were redirected from using the presidential entrance at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
His clarification follows Sunday’s incident, August 3, where Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura and Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu were barred from accessing the presidential entrance during the opening leg of the 2025 CHAN tournament.
Speaking to the media on Monday, August 4, Musonye explained that the presidential box at Kasarani is limited to only 60 guests, a number shared equally with CAF officials.
CHAN Explains Why Karen Nyamu and Mwaura Were Denied Access to the Presidential Entrance
He noted that VVIPs are required to confirm their attendance early to allow for proper planning.
“There is the presidential tribune, which is limited at both Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums. We have reconfigured the two venues. What used to accommodate about 100 VVIPs now has a capacity of 60,” Musonye said.
“The other VIP section doesn’t even hold 200. So even top government officials who wish to attend must confirm their attendance early so we can allocate the tickets accordingly.”
“When they don’t communicate that they are going to attend, that is when you find a lot of problems, even for top government officials to enter these limited areas. A top civil servant might arrive without prior notice, making it difficult for organisers to manage already allocated spaces.”
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Musonye emphasized the importance of prior communication from senior officials, noting that failure to do so often leads to confusion at the venue.
“When they don’t communicate that they are going to attend, that is when you find a lot of problems, even for top government officials to enter these limited areas,” he said.
“A top civil servant might arrive without prior notice, making it difficult for organisers to manage already allocated spaces.”
He further pointed out that the presidential podium has to be shared between the Head of State, his aides, invited guests, and senior Football Kenya Federation officials, among others.
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Mwaura, Nyamu Barred from Presidential Entrance at Kasarani
This follows a commotion caused by the arrival of Senator Nyamu and Isaac Mwaura at the main VIP entrance reserved for the Head of State and his entourage.
Viral videos circulating online capture an altercation between security personnel and Senator Nyamu, who attempted to access the restricted area but was denied entry.
Pleas by the youthful senator to the presidential security to grant her access to the stadium through the VVIP entrance fell on deaf ears as the mean-looking officers turned her away.
Undeterred, Nyamu immersed herself in the crowd’s energy, leading chants and whipping up excitement among supporters.
In a widely shared video clip, she was seen rallying fans with spirited remarks:
“We’re equalising here. Let’s put two goals on the left side and the same on the other. Let Congo be sent packing just like that!”
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