One of Gor Mahia’s most known fans could be arrested by police after apparently leading a group of hooligans in assaulting a club official.
Jaro Soja has been accused of assaulting Gor Mahia Organizing Secretary David Kilo after they lost to Madagascar’s CNaPS 2-1 in the first leg of 2016 continental club championship at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, February 13.
“The fans that attacked me were led by Jaro Soja. He is the one, who spotted me out asking the fans to attack me. I have reported the matter at Nyayo Police station and I hope the police will bring to book those behind the attack,” Kilo told Goal.com.
Kilo is reported to be undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital after the attack that followed the Confederation of Africa Football (Caf) Champions League match.
Jaro Soja and the other Gor Mahia fans are said to have been frustrated as that was a second consecutive pre-league defeat after succumbing to Bandari FC in DStv Super Cup just a week earlier in Mombasa.
The Kenya premier league record champions are now faced with the hard task of beating the Madagascar side 2-0 in their away match in order to advance to the next stage.
Gor easily eliminated CNaPS in the previous season but their form is now in question after loosing two key players: 2015 player of the year Michael Olunga and Meddie Kagere.
Fan hooliganism has been a major problem for the club and was said to have been a key issue why Tuzo refused to renew their sponsorship after it ended in 2013.
They suffered financially as they went for close to three years without shirt sponsors and relied on fundraisers, gate collections and donations to pay bills until Sportpesa came in in 2016.
Club chairman Amborse Rachier acknowledged that the five-year Sportpesa deal could also end if they do not find a lasting solution to the hooliganism.
Source: Tuko“They (Sportpesa) have warned us to eradicate hoolganism and avoid street side shows like throwing stones and harassing innocent motorists.Nobody wants to associate with violence,” said Rachier.
Image: Citizen TV
