A man amused football fans and online users after showing a contingent of armed police officers a red card on the way to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In a video shared online, the man stopped in front of the officers, imitated a referee by making the VAR signal, then flashed the red card at the visibly surprised policemen.
The crowd around him erupted in laughter.
Social media reactions were swift, with many praising the man’s bold humor.
“Huyo jamaa wa firimbi karibu na mapolisi ndo anajua assignment,” one Instagram user wrote.
Another added: “Being a police officer ni ngumu hapa Kenya.”
Others linked the stunt to the public’s mistrust of police, with one commenter noting, “Kenyans we’re happy creatures, politicians ndo hutuboo.”
Tensions between Kenyans and police have been high following the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station after being arrested over an X post involving Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
His death sparked protests, during which police officers, accompanied by individuals wielding clubs, allegedly harassed and arrested demonstrators.
Soon after, another protester, mask vendor Boniface Kariuki, was shot in the head at close range by a rogue officer during demonstrations against Ojwang’s killing.
He died despite medics’ attempts to save him.
These incidents followed earlier anti-Finance Bill protests, where several people were killed.
A BBC Africa investigation linked some deaths to police shootings, but no officers have been held accountable.
Such events have in recent days deepened public mistrust of the police, making gestures like the Kasarani “red card” resonate far beyond the football pitch.