Security concerns linger a few days to Mashemeji Derby in Homa Bay

The much-anticipated return leg Kenya Premier League clash between eternal rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, set to be played in Homa Bay, Monday, 2 June 2025, will be a security nightmare, and much must be done to ensure a smooth staging of the clash, AFC Leopards coach Boniface Ambani feels.

The usually charged encounter will take place at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, a first for the encounter in over two decades that the match will be held outside the capital city, Nairobi.

Anyone who has a brief knowledge of the Mashemeji Derby will tell you that sporadic violence is not too far off the menu when it comes to a meeting between Kenya's most successful sides.

Already, Gor Mahia Chairperson Ambrose Rachier has shared his angst at the choice of venue, but it's no one's fault, really.

The two available stadia that could easily host the derby and its challenges, the Nyayo National Stadium as well as Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, are not available at the moment as they undergo renovations ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championships CHAN. So that's that.

Ambani, speaking ahead of a clash that always provides emotive points, believes that authorities should be on top of their game in ensuring that the derby does not pose a challenge to the AFC Leopards supporters that will show up to support their side in Homa Bay, a perceived Gor Mahia stronghold.

"They are taking the team to fans that are not used to witnessing derbies," he told Mozzart Sport.

"Here in Nairobi, fans treat each other as brothers and sisters after the game, but the fans there (Homabay) may not know the rules, don't know the derby is about friendship, and think it's about enmity, he shared. That's something we are asking Gor to look at: the security of the fans."

Gor will go into the derby with full knowledge that the clash will represent a must-win challenge for their title hopes, which hang in the balance.

Currently, K'ogalo are third on the Kenya Premier League log with 54 points, and with three matches left to play, are in need of three points.

Current league leaders Kenya Police have 61 points but have played a game more. As such, because of the circumstances, the clash promises to be a tough encounter played in the absolute spirit of the derby.

Speaking in an earlier interview, Rachier spoke of his displeasure with the match venue.

"We have no other choice at the moment because the league has to end, and we have no stadium to work with. They are unavailable. We have told FKF what we think and we have to prepare adequately, he said.

Football Kenya Federation FKF have said that security arrangements are already underway and that they expect a well-attended encounter, which will be played on a Monday which will.be a Public holiday.

Come Monday, all eyes will be on Homa Bay. A successful staging of the match is all that is hoped will be achieved.