Nyayo National Stadium became a focal point of both sporting excitement and political expression as fans gathered for Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon.
While anticipation built for the match, chants of "Ruto Must Go" filled the air, amid ongoing protests against President William Ruto's administration.
By mid-afternoon, the 30,000-capacity venue was nearly full, with supporters arriving early.
However, the atmosphere quickly took on a dual tone as significant portions of the crowd voiced frustration with the government.
The chants followed a debate on social media earlier Sunday morning centered on whether such political expressions were appropriate at a football match.
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The match, set to kick off at 4PM, drew a massive crowd, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirming that all available tickets sold out by Saturday, March 22.
"All tickets for our FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon are officially sold out! Your unwavering support means everything! Let’s paint Nyayo red, black, and green this Sunday. Come cheer the team and let your voices be heard; your energy could make all the difference," FKF announced.
Both Kenya and Gabon are in CAF's Group F of the World Cup qualifiers; others are Ivory Coast, Seychelles, Burundi and Gambia.
Kenya is currently in fourth place, trailing Burundi, Gabon and the Ivory Coast.
The home team goes to the match with bits of morale after a comeback in a 3-3 draw match against Gambia last week after the saviour spectacles from debutants Mohammed Bajaber, who plays for the Kenya Police FC, and William Lenkupae, attached to Central Coast Mariners in the Australian League.
On its part, Gabon had a massive win against Seychelles, which it thrashed 3-0 on March 20.
