Football Kenya Federation (FKF) settled venue dispute surrounding the SportPesa League clash between Mara Sugar and leaders Gor Mahia by confirming Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay as the approved venue for the potential title-decider.
FKF rejected Mara Sugar’s request to move the match to Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea, citing Rule 18 of the Regulations, which requires clubs to register alternative venues within the same zone and within a 200-kilometre radius of their primary home ground.
In a communiqué issued by the Leagues and Competitions Committee and addressed to Mara Sugar CEO Ruth Ommala, the federation directed that the match proceed on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 2 pm.
The ruling, signed by Frank Ogolla on behalf of the committee, stated that Mara Sugar’s approved venues for the season remain Green Stadium in Awendo as the primary home ground, Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay as the first alternative venue and Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo as the second alternative.
Wang’uru Stadium was therefore ruled out on both procedural and geographical grounds.
“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 decision brings to an end days of uncertainty over the fixture, although it has also highlighted frustrations within the Gor Mahia camp regarding the handling of the matter ahead of one of the season’s biggest matches.
The development comes after Gor Mahia formally declined to play at Awendo Green Stadium, citing safety concerns and logistical challenges surrounding the high-profile fixture.
FKF subsequently agreed with the concerns and ruled the stadium unsuitable for the match, instructing Mara Sugar to secure an approved alternative venue in line with league regulations.
Gor Mahia vice-chairperson Sally Bolo had earlier objected strongly to the proposed switch to Wang’uru Stadium, arguing that it breached established regulations and raised concerns over fairness.
“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 questioned the distance involved in the proposed relocation.
“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 further maintained that Mara Sugar’s registered venues for the season — Awendo, Homa Bay and Mamboleo — left no room for Wang’uru Stadium to be introduced as an additional home ground.
With the venue issue now resolved, attention shifts back to the title race, where Gor Mahia stand on the brink of a record-extending 22nd league crown. Victory on Sunday would secure the title with a game to spare and confirm another return to continental football.
Captain Alpha Onyango insisted the ongoing off-field controversy has not distracted the squad.
“We are fully aware of what this match means, and nothing around us will change our objective,” Onyango said.
He stressed that Gor Mahia’s experience in high-pressure title races would prove important.
“We have been in these situations before, and this is where Gor Mahia mentality shows itself strongest,” he added.
Onyango also maintained that preparations had remained uninterrupted despite the debate surrounding the venue.
“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.”
He made it clear that Gor Mahia intend to wrap up the title race immediately.
“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.
Meanwhile, Mara Sugar captain Drona Langa struck a defiant tone ahead of the clash, dismissing suggestions that his side would simply play the role of spectators in the title race.
“We are not carrying ghosts of past seasons. We are carrying possibility, and that is a dangerous thing in football,” Langa said.
He also insisted Mara Sugar would not approach the game cautiously.
“We are not setting up to survive. We are setting up to interrupt rhythm, to question certainty,” he added.
