The former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, officially landed in Homa Bay County on Monday, June 2, 2025, ahead of the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between archrivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

The match, set to take place at the newly named Raila Odinga Stadium, marks a historic shift as the iconic fixture is hosted outside Nairobi for the first time.

Raila, who was accompanied by his wife, Ida Odinga, arrived aboard a chopper and was warmly received by a host of leaders from the region.

Leading the welcoming delegation was Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, flanked by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, and Cooperative and SMEs Chair Wycliffe Oparanya, a known die-hard supporter of AFC Leopards.

Shortly after exchanging pleasantries with the dignitaries present, Raila and his entourage were ushered into a vehicle that would ferry them to the stadium, where the atmosphere was already electric.

The sense of excitement was unmistakable. Leaders arrived dressed in team colours, clearly showing their allegiance and readiness for the showdown.

From branded jerseys to scarves and caps, it was clear the Mashemeji Derby fever had taken over Homa Bay.

Governor Gladys Wanga took to her social media pages shortly after Raila’s arrival, writing, “Welcoming Shabiki 001 #MashemejiDeby,” signalling her anticipation for the march

The derby, which draws millions of passionate fans from across the country, has always been more than just a football match. It’s a cultural spectacle.

With the Odinga Stadium now in the spotlight and hosting such a monumental event shortly after Madaraka Day celebrations, Homa Bay is fast emerging as a national hub for both politics and sports.

As kick-off approaches, all eyes will be on the stadium to witness not only the battle between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards

The Mashemeji Derby

The Mashemeji Derby, also known as the Ingo-Dala Derby, is Kenya’s most iconic football rivalry, pitting Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards, two Nairobi-based clubs with roots in the Western region.

The rivalry, which began on May 5, 1968, is the oldest in Kenyan football, fuelled by intense competition and tribal undertones, with Gor Mahia’s fanbase predominantly Luo and AFC Leopards’ largely Luhya, though both clubs now enjoy diverse support across the country.

As of 2024, Gor Mahia, nicknamed K’Ogalo, has won the Kenyan Premier League 20 times, while AFC Leopards, known as Ingwe, have secured 12 titles. In 96 encounters, Gor Mahia leads with 33 wins, AFC Leopards have 28, and 35 matches have ended in draws.

The 97th edition, set for today, Monday, June 2, 2025, at the newly upgraded Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, marks a historic shift; it will be the first time in nearly a decade that the derby is played outside Nairobi, the last being in Nakuru in 2018.

The move to the 20,000-capacity stadium, recently refurbished for the 2024 African Nations Championship and the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, was necessitated by ongoing renovations at Nairobi’s Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums.