The highly anticipated Mashemeji derby between arch rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards hangs in the balance, with traditional venues, Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium unavailable.
The FKF Premier League second leg clash is scheduled for Kasarani stadium, on Sunday, May 11, but may end up being postponed due to lack of an appropriate venue.
This comes after the Confederation of African Football warned Football Kenya Federation against hosting the match at Kasarani, citing ongoing construction works at the venue.
Kasarani is 90 per cent done with final touches being applied by the contractor, ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set for August 2 to 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, Nyayo National Stadium is also unavailable due to renovations on the tartan track makeover, ahead of the Kip Keino Classic, scheduled for May 31st.
The old track has been removed and a new, fresh red track is being installed, with Athletics Kenya racing against time to ensure the venue is ready for the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event.
With both venues that can host the high-risk clash unavailable, the FKF is working on Ulinzi Sports Complex as the alternative venue for Sunday’s showdown.
Despite the stalemate, hosts Gor Mahia are still trying to convince CAF to approve the use of Kasarani, with little hope of getting the nod.
Ulinzi complex is only a 10,000-seater, making it highly volatile due to the expected number of fans for the biggest clash in Kenyan football.
The first leg played at Nyayo stadium ended 0-0 on 30 Mar 2025, with Ingwe raking KSH 7.3 million on gate collection, from over 30,000 fans turnout.
This match comes after the clash at Gusii Stadium on Sunday, 4 May 2025, left over 72 fans injured, some badly and hospitalised, during another high-risk clash between Shabana FC and Gor at Gusii Stadium.
The match was delayed for over 30 minutes and stopped twice after kick-off due to crowd trouble.
KO’gallo and Ingwe command the biggest number of fans in the country and they are working hard to avoid a repeat of the violence witnessed at Gusii stadium.
Officials from both clubs didn’t comment on the situation yet, but an FKF official confirmed a meeting convened by the Federation, CHAN committee, both teams and security personnel will see the way forward by close of business.
However majority of fans are against hosting the match at Ulinzi complex.
Ochieng Changes, a die-hard KO’gallo fan says Ulinzi is a death trap that may end up causing more harm than good to the game.
“Ulinzi complex is too tiny for the big derby, FKF should just postpone the match until an appropriate venue is available. Fans, players and officials will be in danger if the match is played at Ulinzi,” Ochieng said.
