The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially rescheduled the Mashemeji Derby to December 7, ending days of speculation regarding the venue and timing of the clash.

The country’s biggest fixture, pitting defending champions Gor Mahia against arch-rivals AFC Leopards, will now be hosted at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The decision provides clarity for fans after a week of logistical hurdles that left the fixture without a home.

The Venue Crisis

The match was originally scheduled for this coming weekend at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

However, the venue became unavailable after Nairobi United secured it for their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match against AS Maniema Union.

Under CAF regulations, continental assignments take strict precedence over domestic league fixtures, forcing the derby to relocate.

Attempts to keep the match on the original weekend by moving it to Nyayo National Stadium also hit a dead end.

The facility is currently booked for the World Aids Day Half Marathon on Monday, with event organizers scheduled to begin setup on Saturday, leaving no window for the derby to be played.

Faced with a lack of compliant venues within the capital, Gor Mahia formally wrote to the FKF on Wednesday morning requesting a postponement.

The club cited the impossibility of securing a suitable pitch in time for the weekend.

Infrastructure Struggles

This incident marks yet another chapter in the recurring struggle for top-tier football infrastructure in Kenya.

Last season saw similar disruptions, with the derby rescheduled multiple times due to stadium closures and renovation works.

The current situation underscores the persistent shortage of match-ready facilities capable of hosting high-risk, high-attendance fixtures like the Mashemeji Derby.

High Stakes for Both Sides

When the teams finally take to the pitch on December 7, the stakes will be incredibly high.

Despite suffering a shock 4–1 defeat to APS Bomet in their last outing, Gor Mahia remain at the summit of the FKF Premier League standings with 19 points from nine matches.

K’Ogalo will be desperate to bounce back and assert their dominance over their eternal rivals.

AFC Leopards, currently sitting fourth on the log with 14 points, are looking to steady their campaign. A win against the league leaders would not only be a massive morale booster for Ingwe but would also significantly close the gap at the top of the table.

The two giants last met on Madaraka Day at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, where they settled for a hard-fought 1–1 draw.