The thrill of the Mashemeji derby is ultimately back after losing its characteristic lustre over the last few years.
The electric aura witnessed at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday during the riveting encounter between the two Kenyan Premier League behemoths, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards was magnificent by any football standards.
Both clubs were roared on by passionate and raucous supporters who thronged the stands to witness the occasion.
The much-hyped derby encounter lived up to its billing with Kenyan football enthusiasts gracing the pompous occasion in large numbers.
Traditionally, K’Ogalo fans have been identified by their signature green colours and they remained faithful to the colours that embellished their section of the stands on this auspicious day.
Nyayo, however, lacked the distinctive blue and white colours that have usually set Ingwe fans apart from the crowd.
This is because the club is in the midst of a cold war with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) that banned its supporters from attending games following crowd trouble in a tie against Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium earlier this year.
According to sources, Leopards’ fans avoided attending the match in their replica jerseys for fear of being regarded as sellouts by their colleagues.
Their anonymity was therefore preferred. This local football derby, previously known as the Ingo-Dala derby, has rightfully captured the hearts and minds of Kenyans from all ethnic backgrounds.
Undoubtedly, it has been the country’s most cherished football showpiece pitting the two oldest Kenyan clubs in an abrasive rivalry now lasting over 50 years.
Formed in 1964 and 1968 respectively, AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia heavily drew their membership from the Abaluhya and Luo communities residing in Nairobi.
To date, no other football club can match the enormous fan base that they both enjoy and command in the country.
The traditional archrivals flexed muscles for the first time in history during their maiden tie at Nairobi City Stadium on May 5, 1968, where Gor prevailed over their nemesis with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Last Sunday marked the 92nd clash between the two sides. With 31 victories, Gor Mahia boast the best statistical record in the derby. Whereas Leopards have 27 wins, the sides have shared spoils 34 times.
Before ending their losing streak with the landmark win on Sunday, the last time Ingwe beat K’Ogalo was in 2016 when Lamine Diallo’s solitary goal separated the two sides at full-time.
Since then, Gor Mahia have won nine of their 12 encounters against Leopards. Leopards were over the moon after t edging Gor 2-1 at Nyayo Stadium to reclaim the Mashemeji derby rights for the first time in seven years.
This was a fresh breath of air in the Leopards camp whose players had their confidence severely battered after a string of consecutive defeats. The turn of events also offered food for thought to Gor Mahia players who might have rested on their laurels after dominating the scene for long periods.
Two specific leaders deserve special recognition for pulling their resources together to inject vigour into the Mashemeji derby. One is ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo who met with both clubs and encouraged them financially.
The other one is Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba who sweet-talked both FKF and Leopards to end their standoff, effectively allowing the fans back into the stadium.
