A football match at Sony Green Stadium in Awendo, Migori County, was briefly disrupted on Sunday after a man suspected of impersonating a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer was arrested while allegedly carrying a loaded firearm.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect was found with a CZ pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition during the National Super League clash between Migori Youth FC and Equity Bank FC.
The incident unfolded as the match was underway and spectators filled the stadium to watch the highly anticipated fixture.
In a statement, the DCI said the suspect drew the attention of security officers after allegedly attempting to force his way into the VIP section reserved for dignitaries and invited guests.
“The law enforcers in Migori County have arrested one man in possession of a CZ pistol in connection with a football game that took place at Sony Green Stadium, Awendo between Migori Youth FC and Equity Bank FC teams,” DCI revealed.
The agency revealed that when the security team was attempting to prevent the suspect from entering the restricted zone, he drew a gun forcing the security team on alert.
This immediately attracted police intervention, who disarmed the man to avert an impending disaster.
Following the incident, the police conducted a search after which they found a CZ pistol and ten rounds of ammunition in the man’s possession.
An investigation that followed revealed that the suspect pretended to be a KDF man during the time the incident took place.
DCI further said that the pistol belonged to one of the civilians holding license to use it, who confessed to giving his firearm to the suspect.
The DCI said that both suspects had been arraigned in police custody awaiting investigations.
The security breach happened at the same time when Migori Youth registered its first ever win against Equity Bank FC.
This victory ensured that Migori Youth topped the table in the National Super League to earn themselves a place in the FKF Premier League through automatic promotion.
The team will be competing against teams like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Kenya Police FC in Kenya’s highest division next year.
