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Gor Mahia to pay Machakos County Sh1m for 2014 hooliganism damages


Kenya Premier League holders Gor Mahia will pay Sh1 million to the Machakos county government for damages incurred during a 2014 match, club officials have revealed.

The money is a goodwill gesture after the Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua lifted a ban he had imposed on Gor Mahia from playing in the county.

“We know the amount is not enough for the damages caused by our fans, but it’s a goodwill gesture to show our appreciation for being welcomed back,” club chairman, Ambrose Rachier, said.

Machakos county government banned K’Ogalo from playing in the county in 2014 after their fans went on the rampage and damaged property worth millions of shillings after losing to Sofapaka in a league encounter at Kenyatta Stadium.

HOOLIGANISM

“Following negotiations brokered by my sports minister Faith Kithu, we have decided to lift the ban for the love of the sport and promotion of sports tourism,” said Mutua.

He was speaking outside his office after meeting Rachier, club chief executive Ludovic Aduda, Treasurer Sally Bolo and AFC Leopards boss Dan Mule.

Rachier noted that hooliganism was the greatest disease in football but said it had waned since 2014.

Gor have also been granted the use of Machakos stadium as their home ground and will host Leones Vegetarianos from Equatorial Guinea in a CAF encounter on February 10.