A group of daring football fans in Kisumu shocked residents and security officers after they reportedly stole a police vehicle from near a local market and used it to drive to a secondary school football match.
The dramatic incident took place on Wednesday afternoon near Kibuye Market, where the police vehicle had been parked temporarily. According to eyewitnesses, the fans, believed to be youths in their early twenties, took advantage of the moment when the officers had stepped away from the vehicle.
Within minutes, the group jumped into the police pickup and sped off, heading towards Moi Stadium, where a hotly contested secondary school football match was taking place. The match had attracted huge interest in the region as local teams battled for a chance to qualify for the national games.
Witnesses at the stadium say the vehicle arrived with sirens on, confusing the crowd and match officials, who initially thought senior officers had come to restore order. However, onlookers soon realized that the vehicle was occupied by civilians, some of them shirtless, others carrying school flags, and all of them in a celebratory mood.
“They parked the police car at the entrance, walked in freely, and began cheering loudly like everyone else,” one spectator said. “They even posed for photos on the police bonnet.”
The incident drew laughter and disbelief from many, but police officers were not amused. Officers at the scene quickly called for backup. By the time additional police arrived, the suspects had reportedly abandoned the vehicle outside the stadium and disappeared into the crowd.
Kisumu County Police Commander confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the culprits. He condemned the act as a serious security breach and warned the public against interfering with government property.
“This is not a joke. Taking a police vehicle is a criminal offence. We will find them,” the commander said.
Meanwhile, the secondary school match went on uninterrupted, with fans still talking about the bold act long after the final whistle.
By Nairobi