Loaded firearm seized at Sony Green Stadium as man tries to force into VIP area during Migori match
Man arrested at Sony Green Stadium after being found with a loaded CZ pistol during Migori Youth vs Equity Bank match; two in custody as police investigate.
The match at Sony Green Stadium in Awendo was disrupted after security officers discovered a man carrying a loaded CZ pistol while trying to force his way into the VIP section, police said. The suspect, identified as Godfrey Otieno alias "Daddy," was subdued and disarmed by stadium security and local officers before any shots were fired. The incident occurred during a fixture between Migori Youth FC and Equity Bank FC, and it left spectators shaken although order was quickly restored.
Arrest during Migori Youth vs Equity Bank match
Security personnel at Sony Green Stadium grew suspicious when the man attempted to push past stewards and enter the VIP area without proper clearance. According to police accounts, the suspect drew the firearm — later described as a CZ pistol loaded with 10 rounds — when officers moved to restrain him. Stadium stewards and uniformed officers acted swiftly to overpower the man, disarm him and detain him on the spot, preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.
Witnesses reported an initial moment of alarm as the situation unfolded, but officials at the scene said the response was decisive and contained. Stadium staff implemented their emergency procedures and coordinated with arriving police to secure the perimeter and check the crowd. Organizers said the match resumed after authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat to attendees.
Suspect allegedly impersonated KDF personnel
Investigators later established that the detained individual had been masquerading as a member of the Kenya Defence Forces, a detail that prompted immediate concern among security teams. Impersonation of security or military personnel at high-attendance events heightens risk, officials said, because it can be used to gain access or evade scrutiny. Police are probing how the disguise was obtained and whether it was intended to facilitate entry to restricted areas or to shield other actions.
Authorities are also reviewing how widely the impersonation was visible and whether anyone else was complicit in allowing the suspect close to the VIP enclosure. That line of inquiry extends to ticketing, credential checks and any lapses in access control that might have been exploited. For now police emphasize that quick detection by stewards prevented the impersonation from escalating into a larger security breach.
Firearm traced to licensed civilian owner
Preliminary inquiries indicated the CZ pistol belonged to a licensed civilian firearm holder identified as Peter Jobando, who later arrived at the stadium and handed himself to police. Investigators said Jobando acknowledged giving the weapon to the suspect, an act that police described as effectively allowing an unauthorised person to possess a firearm. Both men were taken into custody as officers prepared statements and collected the weapon and ammunition as evidence.
Police spokespeople declined to speculate on the reason Jobando handed over the firearm, saying investigators must establish whether the transfer was voluntary, coerced or part of a wider plan. Ballistic and forensic checks were ordered on the weapon, and officers noted they would examine phone records and surveillance footage to determine the precise sequence of events. Authorities stressed that transferring a licensed firearm to someone without the legal right to carry it can attract serious charges.
Security response and crowd management at Sony Green Stadium
The stadium’s security team and emergency response units were credited with preventing a dangerous escalation by swiftly containing the suspect and securing the area. Stewards and police worked together to move spectators away from the immediate scene while medical teams stood ready, though there were no reported injuries. Video footage circulating on social media showed uniformed officers escorting the detained man away from the VIP section and calming spectators as the situation was assessed.
In the immediate aftermath, event organizers conducted a rapid review of access points and credentials to ensure no other threats were present. Police confirmed they ran a sweep of the stadium and environs before permitting the match to continue, and they maintained a visible presence while fans exited. Officials said the response would be evaluated to identify any procedural improvements for future fixtures.
Legal implications and charges likely to follow
Police indicated both suspects would face legal scrutiny once formal charges are prepared and arraignment is set. Possible counts under investigation include unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful transfer or permitting an unauthorised person to carry a gun, and impersonation of a security or military official. Investigators stressed that charges would be guided by evidence from witness statements, forensic analysis and any admissions made at the scene.
Legal experts say cases of this nature typically involve a combination of criminal and administrative inquiries, including verification of firearm licensing compliance and checks on chain of custody. Police sources reported that the two suspects remain in custody as detectives compile their case for presentation to the courts. Prosecutors will determine formal charges and the timeline for arraignment once the investigative file is complete.
Clubs and local authorities react to security breach
Club officials for Migori Youth FC and Equity Bank FC were notified and briefed by police after the incident, though neither side provided immediate public comment. Local government and security officials visited Sony Green Stadium to assess the situation and reassure fans and residents about measures to prevent a recurrence. Community leaders urged calm while calling for a thorough review of matchday safety arrangements across the county.
Veteran match organizers noted that high-profile fixtures require layered security that combines credential checks, bag inspections and trained stewards to reduce the risk of weapons entering the venue. The incident has prompted calls from some quarters for stricter enforcement of licensing rules and tighter controls on firearms transfers. Authorities said they would consult with sporting bodies and stadium management as part of the follow-up.
Investigations to include surveillance, witnesses and forensics
Police investigators said they would draw on multiple lines of evidence, including CCTV footage, steward reports and witness statements, to reconstruct the sequence leading up to the arrest. Forensic teams have taken possession of the pistol and the rounds for ballistics testing, and detectives are reportedly checking whether the weapon was used in any other incidents. Officers also plan to interview event staff, ticketing personnel and those in the VIP area to establish how the suspect gained proximity to that section.
Electronic records such as phone data and transaction logs may be reviewed to identify potential accomplices or to uncover communications that preceded the transfer of the weapon. Detectives emphasized the importance of corroborating on-the-ground testimony with technological evidence to build a robust case. They also reiterated that the investigation remained active and that new details would be released as they become available.
The two men detained in connection with the incident are currently being held as police complete their inquiries and prepare for arraignment. Authorities say they will present charges once the investigative team has finished assembling evidence and statements. Meanwhile, Sony Green Stadium and local officials are working with security partners to tighten entry controls before upcoming fixtures.
