The 96th Mashemeji derby is set to take place on Sunday, with two of Kenya’s biggest football clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, set to battle it out on the pitch.
The event has attracted significant attention, with high-profile figures such as ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who is also the CEO of Sportpesa, all confirming their attendance.
Additionally, President William Ruto and Azimio La Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga have been invited to attend.
The Mashemeji derby is one of the biggest events on the Kenyan football calendar and has a rich history dating back several decades.
The match will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi and will kick off at 3 pm local time.
For those who cannot attend in person, Tanzanian pay TV station Azam TV has secured the rights to broadcast the match live.
Azam TV will also broadcast Saturday’s league match between title contenders Tusker and Kariobangi Sharks at the same venue, as part of a Sh8 million deal between the broadcast company and the federation. This deal ensures that each of the 18 top-tier clubs will receive Sh400,000.
Tusker is currently in second place with 61 points and could leapfrog Gor Mahia at the top of the league table if they beat Sharks on Saturday.
However, Gor leads the log with 63 points, having played 29 matches so far this season.
Despite recent controversies surrounding the Mashemeji derby, including calls for a boycott by some fans, AFC Leopards management has urged their supporters to attend the match.
