The highly anticipated second leg of the FKF Premier League’s biggest rivalry match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has been postponed due to security and crowd control concerns.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced that the match, initially scheduled for this Sunday, will be rescheduled after evaluating recent incidents that have raised safety concerns. The decision follows chaotic scenes at the first-leg encounter and a World Cup qualifier between Harambee Stars and Gabon, both held at Nyayo National Stadium. In both cases, thousands of fans overwhelmed security measures, leading to disorderly situations outside the stadium.
The FKF leadership emphasized the importance of proper security planning to ensure the safety of fans and families attending matches. The federation noted that in the first leg of the derby, the 22,000-seat capacity of Nyayo Stadium was significantly exceeded, forcing security personnel to use teargas to disperse crowds. Similar issues occurred during the Harambee Stars’ match, where fans without tickets broke through a stadium gate.
Officials stressed the need for a pause to reassess security protocols and avoid situations where supporters experience distress due to inadequate crowd control measures. They highlighted that planning for the next derby would take two to three weeks, ensuring a well-organized and safe match experience.
The FKF president acknowledged the growing passion for football and the return of fans to stadiums but stressed the necessity of better planning, increased security personnel, and fan education to prevent future incidents. He emphasized that the next derby should set an example of a well-managed football event, regardless of the size of the crowd.
The postponement comes at a time when both clubs and their supporters had been preparing for the highly anticipated clash. The two teams had previously agreed to stage the first and second leg matches close together, once a suitable venue was available, due to earlier scheduling challenges.
Initially, the first leg of the Mashemeji Derby was planned for November 2023 but was delayed due to renovations at both Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums. A second attempt to hold the match in March 2024 was also unsuccessful for similar reasons. The upcoming fixture, originally set as Gor Mahia’s home match, has now been removed from this weekend’s schedule.
A club official confirmed that Gor Mahia will now play against KCB in Machakos this weekend, while the derby’s reverse fixture is likely to take place in three weeks or by the end of the month.
Meanwhile, concerns over fan behavior have drawn warnings from key stakeholders. The 2024 CHAN Local Organizing Committee has cautioned that any further incidents of crowd trouble could result in both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards being banned from accessing Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums in the future. The federation is now under pressure to implement stricter crowd control measures to ensure that future matches proceed smoothly without compromising safety.
The postponement underscores the broader issue of security management in Kenyan football, with authorities aiming to create an environment where fans can enjoy matches without disruptions or safety risks. With growing enthusiasm for local football, addressing these challenges effectively is critical for the development and reputation of the sport in the country.
