Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has joined thousands of fans at Raila Odinga stadium for the first ever Mashemeji Derby played in Homa Bay County.

Known for his deep passion for football and long-standing support for Gor Mahia, Odinga took to social media to commend the event.

“It’s been a thrilling football match this afternoon, and it’s great to see the first-ever Mashemeji Derby at Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay town. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but the real winners today are the fans who turned out in large numbers,” he posted in his official X account on June 2, 2025.

The historic 97th Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards SC ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw in Homa Bay town on June 2, 2025. It was the first time the iconic Kenyan football rivalry has been played in Homa Bay, and the town responded with a capacity crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that had fans and leaders alike praising the move to take the derby to new frontiers.

Also present at the match was Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Wycliffe Oparanya, who praised the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the local authorities for making the event possible. Oparanya noted that bringing the Mashemeji Derby to Homa Bay was a major step towards promoting inclusivity and giving fans from different regions a chance to experience top-tier football.

“This is a great day for Kenyan football. Taking the derby outside Nairobi gives fans from other parts of the country an opportunity to experience this historic rivalry firsthand. It also shows that football is a unifying force that transcends politics and other divisions,” Oparanya said.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy Eliud Owalo echoed Oparanya’s sentiments, calling the Derby’s successful hosting in Homa Bay a milestone for regional integration through sports.

“Football has the power to bring people together and to foster peace and development. Today’s match proves that with proper planning and support, we can spread the magic of the game across the country,” Owalo stated.

Kenyan football spirit

The stadium was a sea of green and white (for Gor Mahia) and blue and white (for AFC Leopards) as fans cheered, sang, and danced throughout the game. Local traders took advantage of the festivities to sell jerseys, scarves, vuvuzelas, and snacks, turning the event into an economic boon for the town.

On the pitch, Gor Mahia drew first blood with an early goal, sparking celebrations among their faithful. AFC Leopards, however, refused to be cowed and fought back to equalize in the second half. The intensity of the game kept fans on their feet, with near misses and last-ditch tackles adding to the drama of the derby.

Regional matches

Other leaders present, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and local MPs, called for more major sporting events to be held in counties outside Nairobi. They argued that such events not only build the local economy but also strengthen national unity.

As the final whistle blew, leaders and fans alike reflected on a day that had brought joy and pride to Homa Bay. For Raila Odinga and the other leaders, the successful derby was a testament to the power of football to unite communities, celebrate diversity, and ignite a shared passion across Kenya.