FKFPL broadcaster left counting losses after OB van damage in abandoned Nairobi United vs Gor Mahia match

FKF Premier League television broadcaster Azam TV has condemned scenes of crowd trouble witnessed in a game between Nairobi United and Gor Mahia on Sunday, 21 December, which left its Outside Broadcast Van vandalized.

In a letter, Country Head of Azam Media Kenya Limited Ravi Kumar Andugula said the incidents witnessed at Dandora Stadium were a setback to the company's commitment towards elevating and supporting the growth of the country's top tier league.

Shame as crowd trouble forces abandonment of Gor Mahia vs Nairobi United FKF Premier League clash

Chaos and violence ensued in one stand of the 5,000-seater facility in Nairobi, leading to the abandonment of the high-risk Premier League match that began at 1600 hrs.

Hell brooke loose in the 58th minute, when home fans in the Nairobi United section between Gates 2 and 3 appeared to being forced out of their seating area by individuals draped in Gor Mahia kits.

The fracas came about just moments after Nairobi United - through Ovella Ochieng - scored an equalizer against Gor Mahia, who had been in the lead courtesy of a strike from Ebenezer Adukwaw in the 14th minute.

Match referee Brooke Phillip ushered the players off the field of play, but chaotic scenes went on outside the ground, with fans also causing damage to the Azam TV OB van.

Confirming the incident Kumar said: "Azam Media Group condemns the series of events witnessed today at Dandora Stadium, during the live broadcast of the Nairobi United v Gor Mahia match, where the OB Van has been vandalized and equipment destroyed."

Pictures posted online showed one of its windows bashed, with unverified images showing similar attack on the Gor Mahia team bus.

While Azam was glad to report the safety of its staff, the broadcaster raised to question its commitment to the Kenyan game going forward.

"While Azam Media Group strives to elevate and support the growth of the Kenyan Premier League by ensuring maximum visibility of the league through live broadcasts, such incidents of vandalism will not only be a setback, but also paints a gloomy picture of the Kenyan Premier League.

"We continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with the Kenya Federation and we will issue a comprehensive report shortly."

Oguta's goal sinks APS Bomet as Tusker rise to FKF Premier League summit

FKF in August 2023 signed an official seven-year deal with the company based in Tanzania, to broadcast Kenya's top tier league.

The deal was worth Kshs145 Million per year, and with yearly increments of 10 percent.