Kenyans Will Fill Stadiums Every Weekend- Ruto After Watching Mashemeji Derby

President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, met face to face for the third time in two days as the two watched the highly-anticipated Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on Sunday, May 14.

The clash took place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi and saw AFC Leopards beat Gor Mahia 2-1 in their first Mashemeji Derby win in seven years.

Maxwel Otieno scored a first-half winner as AFC Leopards slowed down Gor Mahia’s FKF Premier League title charge after defeating the record Kenyan champions in the 96th Mashemeji Derby.

A football match between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, May 14, 2023. /PCS

Speaking to the players immediately after the derby, Ruto revealed that the government plans to turn around the state of Kenyan football in the country.

“Thank you for a wonderful game. This is the best game I have ever seen in a very long time.

“We will change this game. I have already spoken with Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and we have agreed that we will make sure we will take Kenya back to the time when football was a success,” he promised.

The President revealed that he was working with CS Namwamba to ensure that there was full attendance during Kenyan football matches.

The derby attracted thousands of fans who went home after 90 minutes of pure entertainment from players of both teams and having fully packed the Nyayo Stadium.

“We have a plan with Namwamba that will make sure every weekend the stadiums fill as Kenyans from all walks of life come to enjoy the game,” he stated his vision for the future of football in Kenya.

The President further appraised the players regarding Kenya's plans to host the AFCON continental tournament.

“We want to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and on Wednesday, May 17, I will be at the forefront of presenting the bid,” he announced.

Ruto awarded both teams Ksh1 million after watching the exhilarating match unfold on Sunday and urged football fans not to engage in violence and chaotic activities when they attended the match.

Victor Omune gave Ingwe the lead in the 33rd minute from the penalty spot before Austin Odhiambo restored parity in the 39th minute. Maxwell Otieno restored Leopards’ advantage two minutes before halftime to lead 2-1.

Gor remains second after the defeat. For Ingwe, this was their first win over Gor since 2016, and coming a day after Tusker leapfrogged Gor to top the 18-team standings after narrowly edging out Kariobangi Sharks 1-0. The brewers lead on 64 points, one ahead of Gor Mahia.

Raila and Ruto exchanged pleasantries during the burial of freedom fighter Mukami Kimathi and later on during the Kip Keino Classic at the Kasarani Stadium.

The duo watched Kenyan sprinter, Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa's fastest man, on Saturday, May 13 celebrate a routine victory in front of his home crowd in the 100 metres race during the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour's fourth edition.

Omanyala lifted the roof off the half-packed stadium in the final race of the event to win with a time of 9.84 seconds. This is his best time in the 100 metres race in the 2023 season and the best time in the world in the 2023 season.