A local youth football coach in Nairobi was rushed to hospital late on Friday after suddenly falling gravely ill during a team training session. Medical tests later confirmed that he had been deliberately poisoned, sparking outrage and calls for stricter oversight of youth sports administration.
The coach, whose name has been withheld for privacy and security reasons, reportedly began to experience violent stomach cramps and vomiting shortly after serving tea to players during a break. Fellow coaches grew suspicious after noticing his distress and immediately took him to a nearby hospital, where doctors detected toxic substances in his system.
Police confirmed they have opened a murder investigation, treating the incident as an attempted homicide. Detectives are interviewing all individuals with access to team facilities and refreshments, and collecting CCTV footage from the venue.
The poisoning is believed to stem from a deeply contested debate over team line-ups. Several parents had been lobbying for their children to retain or gain starting positions, while others advocated for younger or less experienced players. The coach, known for his merit-based selections, had reportedly resisted these pressures.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in community sport,” said one parent. “Competition is normal, but poisoning is unacceptable and shocking.”
The football community, including the county sports director, has condemned the incident. “This paints youth sports in the worst possible light,” said the director. “We must ensure that competitive spirit never becomes destructive or criminal.”
The coach is now in stable condition under medical care. Police expect to make arrests soon and urged anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, the county has announced immediate safety upgrades including stricter supervision of food and drink at training and will hold mandatory ethics workshops for all coaches, parents, and young athletes.
As the investigation continues, authorities and community members alike are warning that the integrity of grassroots sports must be protected and maintained at all costs.
