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A bus driver transporting Italian basketball fans has died after an attack by rival supporters, highlighting the severe consequences of sports hooliganism that also plagues Kenyan sports.
Raffaele Marianella, a 65-year-old bus driver, died on Sunday, October 19, 2025, after a bus carrying Pistoia Basket fans was attacked with stones near Rieti, Italy. Marianella, who was a reserve driver and not actively driving at the time, was struck in the head by a large stone that shattered the windscreen. The incident occurred as fans were returning from an away game against SRS Sebastiani Rieti, which Pistoia Basket won.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack as an "unacceptable and insane act of violence," extending her condolences to the victim's family and vowing to bring those responsible to justice. Italy's Sports Minister Andrea Abodi described the perpetrators as "criminals who have turned into murderers and can never be called fans." Gianni Petrucci, president of Federbasket, the national basketball federation, echoed these sentiments, stating, "This is not about basketball. These are criminals."
The tragic event in Italy resonates deeply in Kenya, where sports hooliganism, particularly in football, remains a persistent challenge. Kenyan football has grappled with fan violence, mismanagement, and financial woes for years. Incidents often involve fans clashing with stewards, forcing their way into stadiums, and vandalising property, leading to match abandonment and injuries.
A 2019 study on football violence in Nairobi City County identified factors such as fan aggression, police action, rude or abusive fans, and uncoordinated match management as circumstances that breed violence. Alcoholism before and after matches, insufficient security personnel, and stadium design were also cited as contributing factors.
Kenya has a legal framework to address sports-related issues, including the Sports Act 2013 (Revised 2019), which aims to promote drug-free sports, establish sports institutions, and provide for dispute resolution mechanisms. The Act led to the creation of institutions like Sports Kenya, the National Sports Fund, and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
In response to ongoing hooliganism, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has pledged various measures, including enhanced fan education programmes, steward training, and the development of a security policy for stadiums. FKF President Hussein Mohammed has emphasised the need for discipline, strong structures, and family-friendly environments to restore integrity in local football and attract sponsors.
Stakeholders in Kenyan sports have consistently highlighted the detrimental impact of hooliganism. Former Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier attributed incidents to fan frustration over refereeing decisions and alcohol influence. Former Harambee Stars player Bob Ogolla also pointed to poor officiating, rogue fans, and mismanagement.
Beyond hooliganism, a recent study by the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications revealed that Kenya recorded the highest number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in sports across East Africa, with a striking 69% prevalence rate in 2025, up from 43% in 2022. Fans and spectators were identified as the top perpetrators of abuse in Kenya (34%).
The persistence of fan violence in sports, both internationally and in Kenya, carries significant risks. It deters families and legitimate fans from attending matches, discourages private sector investment and sponsorship, and tarnishes the image of the sport. In Kenya, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has previously fined the country for crowd safety and security breaches, threatening to relocate home matches if the situation does not improve.
While Italian authorities have launched a police investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for Marianella's death, it was not immediately clear if the attackers were rival fans. In Kenya, despite government efforts and existing laws, the effective implementation and enforcement of anti-hooliganism measures remain a challenge. There have been calls for better-trained police and the installation of CCTV cameras in stadiums to identify perpetrators.
The investigation into the death of Raffaele Marianella is ongoing in Italy. In Kenya, the FKF plans to urgently establish statutory and standing committees, including disciplinary and appeals committees, to address misconduct. Regular stadium inspections are also planned to ensure compliance with infrastructure and safety standards.
The global sports community will be watching the outcome of the Italian investigation and the measures taken to prevent similar tragedies. In Kenya, the effectiveness of the FKF's new initiatives in curbing hooliganism and attracting fans back to stadiums will be a key indicator of progress. The ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence in Kenyan sports also warrant close attention.
