Venue controversy ends as Gor Mahia close in on record 22nd league crown

The Football Kenya Federation has brought an end to the uncertainty surrounding Gor Mahia’s potential title-clinching fixture against Mara Sugar after confirming Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay as the official venue for Sunday’s SportPesa Premier League showdown.

The ruling closes days of confusion and tension ahead of one of the most decisive matches of the Kenyan season, with Gor Mahia now just one victory away from securing a record-extending 22nd league crown.

FKF rejected Mara Sugar’s request to move the match to Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea after determining that the proposed venue failed to meet league regulations.

According to the federation, the stadium was neither registered as an approved alternative venue nor located within the permitted geographical distance from Mara Sugar’s primary home ground.

In a communiqué issued by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee and signed by Frank Ogolla, the federation directed that the game proceed at Raila Odinga Stadium on Sunday at 2 pm.

“The Committee notes that your choice of venue to host the match was neither registered as your alternative venue nor your second alternative venue. In addition, the venue is more than 200kms from your primary home venue,” FKF stated.

The federation reiterated that Mara Sugar’s approved venues for the campaign remain Green Stadium in Awendo as the main home ground, Raila Odinga Stadium as the first alternative venue and Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo as the second alternative.

Gor Mahia concerns trigger federation intervention

The controversy intensified earlier in the week after Gor Mahia formally refused to play at Awendo Green Stadium, citing safety and logistical concerns linked to the magnitude of the fixture.

FKF later agreed with those concerns and deemed the venue unsuitable for a high-profile title-deciding contest, instructing Mara Sugar to identify an alternative ground already recognised within league regulations.

However, Gor Mahia officials objected strongly when Wang’uru Stadium emerged as the proposed replacement venue.

Vice-chairperson Sally Bolo argued that the move breached league rules and undermined fairness ahead of a match carrying major title implications.

“The laws are very clear. If a team decides to switch their home venue, they should inform the federation early enough in writing. So far, Mara haven’t written to FKF regarding their intention,” Bolo said.

She also raised concerns over the location of the proposed stadium.

“The law further states that a team cannot host their visiting opponents more than 200km away from their home in case of such changes,” she added.

Bolo insisted Mara Sugar could only choose from the venues officially submitted before the season, leaving no room for Wang’uru Stadium to enter the equation at such a critical stage.

FKF’s intervention has now restored focus to the football itself, with Gor Mahia aiming to finish the title race before the final round of fixtures.

Gor Mahia eye coronation as Mara Sugar promise resistance

Victory in Homa Bay would hand Gor Mahia another league triumph with a game to spare and seal qualification for continental football once again.

Despite the off-field drama, captain Alpha Onyango insisted the squad had remained calm and focused throughout the week.

“We are fully aware of what this match means, and nothing around us will change our objective,” Onyango said.

The midfielder believes Gor Mahia’s experience in handling pressure situations could prove decisive.

“We have been in these situations before, and this is where Gor Mahia mentality shows itself strongest,” he added.

Onyango also dismissed suggestions that the venue dispute had disrupted preparations.

“Our preparations have not been affected. We are focused, disciplined and ready for ninety minutes of hard work,” he said. “We will pull all our resources together, mentally and physically, to make sure we get the result we need.”

The Gor Mahia captain made it clear the club wants the title race settled immediately rather than carrying the pressure into the final day.

“We know what is at stake, and we are not here to wait for another day. We want to finish the job now,” Onyango stated.

Mara Sugar, however, have no intention of turning Sunday into a ceremonial occasion.

Captain Drona Langa struck a defiant tone ahead of the encounter and warned against assuming his side would simply clear the path for Gor Mahia’s coronation.

“We are not carrying ghosts of past seasons. We are carrying possibility, and that is a dangerous thing in football,” Langa said.

He also promised an aggressive approach from the hosts despite the title narrative surrounding the visitors.

“We are not setting up to survive. We are setting up to interrupt rhythm, to question certainty,” he added.