Kenyan football fans have been left divided following Gor Mahia’s decision to mount a guard of honour for newly-crowned FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police. The pre-match gesture, which took place at Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi ahead of the final game of the season, came despite prior speculation that Gor Mahia might snub the tradition.
After weeks of online debate and uncertainty among supporters, Gor Mahia put all doubts to rest by forming a guard of honour as Kenya Police walked onto the pitch. The move was seen as an act of sportsmanship by the dethroned champions, who had previously won back-to-back league titles in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
For some fans, the gesture was a welcome show of class and respect. They praised Gor Mahia for embracing the spirit of the game despite the disappointment of losing the title. Comments like “Now that’s sportsmanship” and “They have been celebrating for long, let them give respect to others” reflected the appreciation from certain sections of the fanbase.
Others viewed the moment as an opportunity to look ahead, urging Gor Mahia to set their sights beyond the local scene. One fan pointed out that Gor Mahia should now aim to rise to the level of continental giants such as Al Ahly, Simba SC, TP Mazembe, and Esperance de Tunis, emphasizing the importance of targeting regional and CAF competitions.
However, not all fans were pleased with the move. A number of Gor Mahia supporters expressed their dissatisfaction, calling the gesture unnecessary and undeserved for a club they perceive as lacking historic rivalry or parity with K’Ogalo. Some saw it as a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering Kenya Police’s recent ascendancy that saw them snatch the title from Gor Mahia with a game to spare.
“Kenneth Muguna gets his revenge,” one fan remarked, referencing the former Gor Mahia midfielder who now plays for Kenya Police. Others described the moment as humiliating, with remarks like “Machosi, hard to stomach that guard” and “My team Gor Mahia has gone way too low” echoing a sense of frustration and wounded pride.
Some even suggested that a guard of honour should only be reserved for traditional rivals or established giants like AFC Leopards or Tusker. According to them, Kenya Police, despite their recent success, have not yet earned the stature required for such honour.
The contrasting views highlight the emotional weight football traditions carry among passionate supporters. While Gor Mahia’s gesture may have fostered respect on the pitch, off it, it has ignited debates about status, rivalry, and the evolving landscape of Kenyan football.
