Nairobi City Stars wishes to confirm that, during a 32nd round FFK Premier League match against Gor Mahia in Kasarani (main) on Sunday 29 May 2022, players and technical bench members lost personal belongings including cash and mobile phones from the changing room.
The items were stolen during the first half, and the occurrences was only known when the team returned to their designated room at half time.
The shock caused a five minute delay to the start of the second half and after the game, it was ascertained that a total of 13 phones were stolen and up to 18 persons lost cash totalling Kshs. 94,050, or thereabout.
At half time, the team returned to the changing room only to find bags and open wallets strewn on the floor. On checking, most realised they had lost cash and mobile phones. Very few were lucky as one row of bags was untouched.
It was double tragedy for Nicholas Kipkirui, Wycliffe Otieno, Davis Agesa, Jacob Osano, Rowland Makati, assistant coach John Amboko, keeper trainer Zachary Onyango and trainer Arthur Museve who lost both phones and cash.
Goalkeeper Elvis Ochoro, defenders Herit Mungai, Midfielders Sven Yidah, Anthony Kimani, and Mohamed Bajaber lost their phones only.
Stopper Kenedy Onyango, striker Ezekiel Odera, Mike Madoya, Calvin Masawa, Edwin Buliba, the Noor siblings of Timothy Ouma and Elvis Ojiambo, flyer Rodgers Okuse Okumu, Kevin Chumsy Okumu, and assistant coach Noah Abich lost cash.
Forward Agesa, on top of losing cash and a phone, also lost a pair of boots.
The room was locked just before kick off and unlocked at half time. Notwithstanding, a back widow, fastened before departure from the room, was found open under very unclear circumstances.
The matter was immediately raised with the Kasarani Stadium security team. They will commence investigations with a check on CCTV footage on Monday morning.
The incident was also reported to the Kasarani Stadium Police station. They promised to get to the bottom of the matter in collaboration with the Stadium security team.
We thank both the Kasarani security team as well as the nearby police post for being very cooperative in their quest to unravel the case.
As a team, we urge anyone who may have information that can bring those involved to book to come forward and assist.
As we wait for a way forward, we urge the Stadium owner to consider securing the wide open windows with, at the very least, grills, to act as a physical deterent for the safety of future users of the changing rooms.
Patrick Korir
CEO, Nairobi City Stars
