Nairobi County Governor Dr. Evans Kidero has called for peace ahead of the Kenyan Premier League clash between arch rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia dubbed “Mashemeji Derby” at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The host governor has also rallied support for the most decorated clubs in the country – calling on fans to turn up in large numbers to cheer them.
He was speaking Thursday morning after hosting the teams at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre Nairobi.
“Let us all turn up in large numbers on Sunday to support our teams while we maintain fair play and peace as in-laws (kama mashemeji),” Kidero said.
Like most hotly contested derbies in the world, Mashemeji derby has also had its fair share of pockets of hooliganism.
Gor Mahia defender Wellington Ochieng’ echoed Kidero’s sentiments.
“It was nice meeting governor Evans Kidero earlier today ahead of Sunday’s derby against AFC Leopards SC. He stressed on the need to have a fair game devoid of trouble. That’s everybody’s wish.”
Kidero handed the teams Kshs 200,000 each as a morale booster. He also pledged to attend the match at Nyayo.
Meanwhile only 12,000 tickets will be put on sale for the 81st edition of the Mashemeji derby.
The VIP section will go for Kshs 1000, while the Russia section will go for Kshs 600.
Gor Mahia won the last encounter 2-0 last year with Meddie Kagere and Enock Agwanda scoring.
The teams have had a decent start to the 2017 KPL season and the tie is expected to be explosive.
