The CHAN quarter-finals are stirring more than just football fever. Kenya’s Interior CS, Kipchumba Murkomen, has jumped into a friendly rivalry that adds colour to the tournament—and to social media—by applauding Kenyan fans who snapped up tickets for Tanzania’s match against Morocco.
“I congratulate all Kenyans who have bought Tanzanian tickets. Please make sure you travel and go support Morocco at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. I enjoy the banter between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. If they keep mocking us, I’d be very happy if the final ends up Kenya versus Tanzania in Nairobi—just imagine!” Murkomen, speaking at an APS Bomet fundraising event in Nairobi, said.
He added a Kiswahili twist that had fans laughing, joking, “Tutacheza kwa Kingereza, game yetu,” meaning “we’ll play our game in English” to throw off the opposition. His remark lit up social media and added spark to the friendly rivalry.
This is more than jest. It reflects how football unites East Africa in humour and pride. While Kenya’s Harambee Stars take on Madagascar in Nairobi, Tanzania will face Morocco in Dar es Salaam. In both cities, fans are showing national spirit—sometimes in unexpected ways. The ticket twist shows how social media and shared rivalry can drive lively, regional engagement.
But beyond online banter, there is tension. Less than 24 hours after Murkomen’s comment, the Tanzanian government dismissed rumours that Kenyan fans had snapped up all tickets. A spokesperson assured supporters that no such action had blocked Tanzanian fans and urged them not to worry about access. “Come to the stadium gates and you will enter. There is enough space, so do not be afraid,” he said.
Meanwhile, frustration from Kenyan fans is rising. Many couldn’t get tickets for Kenya’s game against Madagascar due to glitches in the official ticketing system, Mookh. The site crashed under high demand and bot traffic, leaving many Kenyans without entry, even though seats were available for the Tanzania–Morocco game.
This ticket saga shows how football in East Africa is about more than sport—it’s regional pride, community, and online culture. When Murkomen cheered Kenyan fans for buying Tanzanian tickets, it wasn’t just fun—it was a rallying cry. It made Kenyans feel seen, hopeful and part of something bigger.
As the tournament heats up, this kind of lighthearted rivalry can keep spirits high while fans and communities rally behind their teams. Be it at stadiums or online, football brings people together—and sometimes gives them reasons to laugh and unite, even across borders.
Featured image via Screengrab
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