The enormity of the security nightmare that has caught the country in the aftermath of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's death has spilled over to the football pitch, with Kenya Police FC the ones negatively affected by the former Premier's sudden death.
Just three days ago, Police were ready to host their Sudanese counterparts Al Hilal at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with a sizeable crowd purchasing tickets to watch their second round first leg CAF Champions League clash. Suddenly though on Wednesday, Odinga died in India and the chain reaction to his death has put their plans in disarray.
Initially, the Champions League clash was to be played at the Nyayo Stadium, Saturday 18 October 2025, but after Odinga's death Wednesday and subsequent announcement that he would be interred within 72 hours, it was decided that the clash be played at Kasarani Stadium.
However, yesterday, Thursday at the last minute, the government decided that Kasarani would be used for the public viewing of Odinga's body, after it was clear that the initial venue, Parliament buildings could not handle the large crowds expected.
As a result, the match was then finally moved to the Ulinzi Stadium, where it will now be played, today, Friday at 3 PM Kenyan time, behind closed doors.
With access severely limited, only essential personnel will be permitted entry.
This includes players and officials from both clubs, 20 ball boys, 10 executive members from each team, Football Kenya Federation officials, Sudanese embassy representatives, club photographers, media personnel, and the official broadcasting crew.
Police qualified for the second round with a 3-3 aggregate success over Mogadishu City Club in the first round. Al Hilal on their part beat South Sudanese outfit Jamus FC 1-0.