Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans are set for a historic Mashemeji Derby as, for the first time ever, the fierce football rivalry between Kenya’s two most successful clubs will be played outside the capital city of Nairobi.
Gor Mahia, the designated home team for the return leg of the 2024-25 season, has confirmed that the highly anticipated clash will take place at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on June 2. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm.
This announcement follows a lengthy and challenging venue search after the traditional Nairobi venues were ruled out. Initially, the match was scheduled for May 11 at Kasarani Stadium, but that plan fell through after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) barred the use of the venue due to ongoing renovations in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship. Similarly, Nyayo Stadium, another favored location, is also undergoing upgrades and is unavailable for matches.
With the Ulinzi Complex being the only other feasible alternative in Nairobi, Gor Mahia considered hosting the derby there. However, the facility’s relatively small capacity and restrictions that would have potentially forced the game to be played behind closed doors made it an unsuitable option.
Faced with limited choices, Gor Mahia turned to Homa Bay, a town rich in club heritage, to host the showdown. The Raila Odinga Stadium, recently refurbished and named after the club’s iconic political patron, was selected as the venue. It represents a return to the roots for the club and presents an emotional boost for both players and fans in the region.
This match carries high stakes beyond the historic venue change. Gor Mahia is in a tight race for the Kenyan Premier League title. With just three games left in the season, K’Ogalo sits second on the table with 54 points, trailing league leaders Kenya Police FC by seven points. Kenya Police, with two matches left, are in the driver’s seat and could clinch their first-ever league title if they defeat Shabana on June 14.
For Gor Mahia, however, there is no room for error. They must win all their remaining matches and hope for a slip-up from the leaders to keep their dream of a record-extending 22nd league title alive. That makes the derby even more crucial for K’Ogalo, who not only aim to maintain bragging rights over their fiercest rivals but also to keep their title hopes burning.
The first leg of the derby, played at Nyayo Stadium on March 30, ended in a goalless stalemate. It was a tense affair marked by tight defenses and missed opportunities. Both teams will be keen to make amends in the second leg, with Gor Mahia having more to lose and AFC Leopards looking to spoil their arch-rivals’ title ambitions.
Beyond the pitch, the move to Homa Bay is expected to have a significant impact. Local fans, who rarely get to watch their heroes live, will have a chance to experience the atmosphere of one of Africa’s most iconic derbies. It also underlines the growing need for decentralized sports infrastructure in Kenya, as the country continues to grapple with stadium shortages in major cities.
As June 2 approaches, excitement is building. A new chapter will be written in the Mashemeji Derby’s rich history one that promises drama, passion, and possibly, decisive implications for the title race.
