Nairobi derby also known as “Mashemeji derby”, pitting arch rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, that was scheduled for 7th May 2017 at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru has been pushed back indefinitely due to security concerns.
Hosts AFC Leopards told the Football Kenya Federation and the Kenyan Premier League that they are ill positioned to provide adequate security for the biggest club football match in the country at the venue deemed squeezed and unsecure for fans.
According to the KPL statutes, the home team is responsible for match-day security.
“It has been unanimously decided that owing to the team’s confirmation on being unable to provide security, no chance can be taken at hosting the match at Afraha, and therefore as a result, has been postponed until such a time when Nyayo Stadium and or Kasarani Stadium will be available,” KPL confirmed.
Nyayo Stadium, which was initially booked for the event has been shut for renovation in readiness for next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), same as the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
This would have been the 83rd meeting between the two oldest clubs in the country.
Cases of hooliganism have often been recorded whenever the two rivals meet, the worst being in 2010 when there were confirmed deaths at Nyayo due to a stampede at the gate.
