Petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Regarding the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 in Kenya
Date: July 8, 2025
To: The Executive Committee, Confederation of African Football (CAF)
Subject: Urgent Request to Reassess Hosting of CHAN 2025 in Kenya and Secure an Alternative Host Nation
Dear Esteemed Members of the CAF Executive Committee,
We, the undersigned, respectfully address this petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to express grave concerns about the feasibility of hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 in Kenya, scheduled for February 2025.
The ongoing and sustained anti-government protests across the country, particularly in Nairobi and other major cities, pose significant risks to the safety, security, and successful execution of this prestigious tournament.
We urge CAF to take immediate action to verify these concerns through credible media reports and international coverage and to proactively secure an alternative host nation to ensure the continuity of CHAN 2025.
Background and Concerns
Since June 2024, Kenya has been gripped by widespread protests, initially sparked by opposition to a controversial finance bill proposing aggressive tax hikes. Despite the withdrawal of the bill, the protest movement has evolved into a broader campaign against President William Ruto’s administration, with many demonstrators explicitly calling for his resignation.
These protests, largely led by Kenya’s youth and Gen Z, have continued unabated into 2025, with significant escalations reported this week, on and around June 25, 2025, marking the anniversary of the 2024 protests.
International media outlets have extensively covered the unrest, documenting violent clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in at least 16 deaths and over 400 injuries during the June 25, 2025, demonstrations alone.
Reports indicate the use of live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons by police, alongside allegations of abductions and excessive force against activists and critics of the government.
The Kenyan government’s response, including temporary bans on media coverage and restrictions on internet services, has further heightened tensions and eroded public trust.
These developments have created an unstable environment characterized by:
• Security Risks: The heavy-handed response from security forces and the presence of state-funded thugs increase the likelihood of violence during large gatherings, such as those expected during CHAN 2025.
• Logistical Disruptions: Protests have led to the closure of major businesses, banks, and roads in urban centers, particularly Nairobi, which is set to host key CHAN matches. This could severely impact transportation, accommodation, and event operations.
• Public Sentiment: The protests’ explicit objective of removing President Ruto from office signals deep political instability that could persist or worsen by August 2025, undermining Kenya’s capacity to host an international event of CHAN’s magnitude.
• Regional Implications: As a flagship tournament showcasing Africa’s domestic football talent, CHAN 2025 requires a stable and welcoming environment to uphold CAF’s commitment to promoting football and unity across the continent. The current crisis in Kenya threatens to overshadow the tournament and compromise the safety of players, officials, and fans.
Verification of Concerns
We respectfully request that CAF independently verify the severity of the situation through credible sources, including but not limited to:
• The New York Times, June 25, 2025: Reports on the deaths of at least eight protesters and hundreds injured during clashes with police.
• BBC News, June 25, 2025: Coverage of the protests, including demands for Ruto’s resignation and reports of 400 injuries, some from gunshot wounds.
• The Economist, July 3, 2025: Analysis of President Ruto’s authoritarian response and the erosion of civil liberties amid the protests.
• The Washington Post, July 5, 2025: Documentation of public discontent and the “WANTAM” campaign to limit Ruto to one term.
• Sahara Reporters, July 8, 2025: Condemnation of Ruto’s crackdown by Pan-African groups, noting 16 deaths and 400 injuries.
These reports collectively underscore the sustained nature of the protests and their potential to disrupt Kenya’s ability to host CHAN 2025 safely and effectively.
Request for Action
In light of the above, we urgently request that CAF:
1. Reassess Kenya’s Hosting Capability: Conduct a thorough evaluation of Kenya’s political and security situation to determine whether it can guarantee the safety of all participants and the smooth operation of CHAN 2025.
2. Secure an Alternative Host Nation: Proactively identify and engage a suitable alternative host nation with the capacity to organize CHAN 2025 on short notice.
3. Communicate Transparently: Provide timely updates to member associations, players, fans, and stakeholders regarding any decisions on the hosting of CHAN 2025 to maintain trust and ensure preparedness.
4. Prioritize Safety and Unity: Uphold CAF’s commitment to fostering football development in a secure and inclusive environment, ensuring that CHAN 2025 serves as a celebration of African talent rather than a flashpoint for unrest.
Conclusion
The African Nations Championship is a vital platform for showcasing the continent’s footballing talent and fostering unity among African nations.
Hosting CHAN 2025 in Kenya under the current circumstances risks undermining these objectives and endangering participants and spectators.
By acting decisively to verify the situation and secure an alternative host, CAF can safeguard the tournament’s integrity and demonstrate its commitment to the safety and success of African football.
We trust that CAF will treat this matter with the urgency it demands and take appropriate measures to ensure CHAN 2025 proceeds without disruption. We are available to provide further information or support to facilitate this process.
Signed,
Francis Gaitho.
on behalf of the Gen Z movement.
References:
• The New York Times, June 25, 2025: [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/world/africa/kenya-protests-death-toll.html]
• BBC News, June 25, 2025: [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9jd4z3j7no]
• The Economist, July 3, 2025: [https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/07/03/kenyas-president-faces-a-rebellious-youth]
• The Washington Post, July 5, 2025: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/25/kenya-protests-police-brutality/]
• Sahara Reporters, July 8, 2025: [https://saharareporters.com/2025/07/08/kenya-protests-black-lives-matter-take-it-back-other-pan-african-groups-condemn-president]
