AFCON 2027: Musonye suggests jail term for stadium vandalism perpetrators
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Local Organising Committee chairman, Nicholas Musonye, has urged the government to introduce strict measures in curbing stadium facilities vandalism.
Speaking in a local radio interview on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Musonye cited the extensive vandalism witnessed at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in October 2025, during the body viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the venue.
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Musonye expressed concern over the state of the facility, linking the damage to unrest that occurred shortly after renovations funded by the government.
The stadium, one of Kenya’s key venues earmarked for the 2027 AFCON tournament, had recently undergone significant upgrades in readiness for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). However, the reported destruction has raised fresh concerns about safeguarding public infrastructure ahead of the continental showpiece from June to July 2027.
“Kasarani was badly vandalised when we lost the former prime minister (Raila Odinga). Two months after the government spent a lot of money repairing the facility for CHAN 2024, seats were torn apart and toilets uprooted,” Musonye said.
Culture of impunity
Musonye did not mince his words, lamenting what he termed a culture of impunity when it comes to the destruction of public property.
”It is only in this country where people do vandalism and get away with it. It is very unfortunate, because the CCTVs are installed. There should be punishment to make people realise that these are government facilities. Let us not destroy them, because we need them tomorrow,” he added.
He emphasised that the country cannot afford to repeatedly incur huge repair costs due to acts of vandalism, especially with major international tournaments on the horizon. Kenya, alongside regional partners (Tanzania and Uganda), is set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that will place the country under continental and global scrutiny.
Musonye further urged citizens to take responsibility for protecting sports infrastructure, noting the high cost of constructing and maintaining modern facilities.
Cost of stadia construction
Touching on the under-construction Talanta Stadium, Musonye called upon the public to safeguard the facility earmarked for 2027 AFCON, before calling upon the government to severely punish those caught up in vandalism of public sports facilities.
”Talanta should not be destroyed; facilities at the stadium are expensive. We must be responsible and protect our venues. I urge the government to be very strict on this matter, disciplining people who are found vandalising these facilities, as they are expensive. Let people be jailed for one or two years for vandalism.” He added.
His remarks highlight growing anxiety among sports administrators about the readiness of Kenyan venues for AFCON 2027, not only in terms of renovations but also long-term protection and sustainability.
