FKF Premier League side Shabana FC have protested a decision to change the venue of their highly anticipated league match against Gor Mahia, which is scheduled for Sunday, 11 January, when the league resumes after a two-week festive break.
The match was initially expected to be staged at Gusii Stadium, where Shabana are the designated home team. However, reports indicate that the fixture has been moved to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, a venue registered as a home ground for Gor Mahia.
Shabana Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama has strongly opposed the move, terming it unfair and lacking transparency.
“Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium are officially registered home grounds for Gor Mahia FC. In this case, Shabana FC is the home team, not Gor Mahia,” Kerama said.
“It is unacceptable for our home fixture to be changed unilaterally and relocated to our opponent’s home ground without prior notice, justification, or consultation. Such an action lacks fairness, transparency, and the integrity of competition.”
Kerama went further to accuse the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) of showing favoritism towards Gor Mahia.
“Football is a game of fairness, and the administration should not handle it with fear or favour towards one team,” he added.
According to sources, FKF’s decision to alter the venue was influenced by security concerns and doubts over Gusii Stadium’s capacity to safely host a high-profile match of this magnitude.
The federation is said to have relied heavily on events from 4 May, when Shabana hosted Gor Mahia at Gusii Stadium. That match descended into chaos after fans from both sides clashed violently, leaving scores injured and prompting criticism of FKF for allowing the fixture to proceed at the venue.
FKF is also under renewed scrutiny following incidents of hooliganism witnessed on 21 December during the Nairobi United vs Gor Mahia match at Dandora Stadium, further heightening security concerns around Gor Mahia fixtures.
Despite the reports, Kerama insisted that Shabana have not received any formal communication from FKF regarding a venue change.
“Our match against Gor Mahia remains scheduled to be played at Gusii Stadium as we have not received any official communication explaining the reasons for a change of venue,” he concluded.
With tensions rising ahead of the clash, the standoff adds another layer of intrigue to one of Kenyan football’s fiercest rivalries, as fans await FKF’s official position on the matter.