Gor Mahia fans in court over Mashemeji Derby fracas

Nineteen Gor Mahia fans have been arraigned in court to face three counts of being armed in a public place, creating a disturbance and assault.

The fans, who include a 16-year-old boy, were accused of causing chaos in Nairobi’s city centre after the aborted Mashemeji Derby played at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Appearing at Milimani Law Courts, the prosecution claimed that the suspects were armed with stones with the intention of causing terror to members of the public.

The prosecution also alleged that the fans stoned motorists and assaulted passers-by.

The suspects did not, however, take a plea after their lawyer said that their rights had been violated.

Senior Principal Magistrate Martha Mutuku ruled that the court would convene Tuesday afternoon to rule on the matter.

The much-hyped Mashemeji Derby, pitting Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, was stopped and later cancelled in the 63^rd minute after chaos broke out following a referee decision to award Gor Mahia a penalty.

The penalty decision was reached after AFC Leopards captain was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

Police had to use teargas to disperse the rowdy crowd with the fracas trickling into the city centre.

Report by Agnes Oloo