Nairobi City Stars players and technical bench members lost personal belongings including cash and mobile phones from the changing room during a 32nd round FFK Premier League match against Gor Mahia in Kasarani (main) on Sunday 29 May 2022.
In a statement, the Nairobi based club that has not been using the facility since 2016 revealed that the incident took place during half-time of the particular fixture.
“The items were stolen during the first half, and the occurrences was only known when the team returned to their designated room at half time,” the statement read.
“The shock caused a five minute delay to the start of the second half and after the game, it was ascertained that a total of 13 phones were stolen and up to 18 persons lost cash totalling Kshs. 94,050, or thereabout.”
At half time, the team returned to the changing room only to find bags and open wallets strewn on the floor. On checking, most realised they had lost cash and mobile phones. Very few were lucky as one row of bags was untouched.
It was double tragedy for Nicholas Kipkirui, Wycliffe Otieno, Davis Agesa, Jacob Osano, Rowland Makati, assistant coach John Amboko, keeper trainer Zachary Onyango and trainer Arthur Museve who lost both phones and cash.
Goalkeeper Elvis Ochoro, defenders Herit Mungai, Midfielders Sven Yidah, Anthony Kimani, and Mohamed Bajaber lost their phones only.
Stopper Kenedy Onyango, striker Ezekiel Odera, Mike Madoya, Calvin Masawa, Edwin Buliba, the Noor siblings of Timothy Ouma and Elvis Ojiambo, flyer Rodgers Okuse Okumu, Kevin Chumsy Okumu, and assistant coach Noah Abich lost cash.
Forward Agesa, on top of losing cash and a phone, also lost a pair of boots.
The room was locked just before kick off and unlocked at half time. Notwithstanding, a back widow, fastened before departure from the room, was found open under very unclear circumstances.
City Stars took to the authorities for further investigation.
“The matter was immediately raised with the Kasarani Stadium security team. They will commence investigations with a check on CCTV footage on Monday morning.
“The incident was also reported to the Kasarani Stadium Police station. They promised to get to the bottom of the matter in collaboration with the Stadium security team.”
The club urged anyone who may have information that can bring those involved to book to come forward and provide assistance.
Nairobi City Stars lost the particular match 3-2 to Gor Mahia.