Shabana FC have ruled out using Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay as their temporary home ahead of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season, with club patron and Kisii Governor Simba Arati revealing that regional rivalry played a decisive role in the decision.
The Glamour Boys have been searching for an alternative venue while their regular home ground remains unavailable. Although the newly renovated Raila Odinga Stadium has emerged as one of Kenya’s modern football venues and has successfully hosted FKF Premier League matches, Arati says the club deliberately chose to look elsewhere.
“We have already secured two venues for training, Afraha Stadium and Narok Stadium,” Arati told Mozzart Sport.
“You know our neighbours in Homa Bay. There is that sibling rivalry, and sometimes, such rivalries can work against you. We do not want to take Shabana there.”
Instead, the club has shifted its attention to Afraha Stadium in Nakuru and Narok Stadium, facilities that management believes provide a more stable and supportive environment for the team during the upcoming campaign.
Why Shabana Rejected Raila Odinga Stadium
Arati explained that the decision had little to do with the quality of Raila Odinga Stadium. Rather, it was influenced by the historic football rivalry between supporters from Kisii and neighbouring Homa Bay County.
Although the two counties share a border and have strong social and economic ties, football matches involving teams from the regions have traditionally attracted passionate support and intense competition. Shabana believe relocating their home matches to Homa Bay could reduce the home advantage they would ordinarily enjoy in front of their loyal supporters.
Playing home fixtures outside Kisii already presents challenges, including longer travel distances for fans and reduced match-day atmosphere. Choosing a venue in a region considered a sporting rival could further weaken the connection between the team and its supporters.
Afraha and Narok Preferred
Rather than moving to Homa Bay, Shabana have opted for Afraha Stadium and Narok Stadium as their preferred bases.
“We have very good facilities at Afraha Stadium and Narok Stadium, and those are the places we are focusing on,” Arati added.
Afraha Stadium has hosted numerous FKF Premier League fixtures over the years and remains one of the country’s most reliable football venues. Narok Stadium has also gained recognition after infrastructure improvements made it suitable for elite football.
Raila Odinga Stadium Continues to Grow
Shabana’s decision should not be viewed as a reflection on Raila Odinga Stadium itself. The Homa Bay facility has undergone major upgrades in recent years and has become one of the stadiums capable of staging top-flight football after improvements to its playing surface, spectator facilities and overall infrastructure.
Instead, Arati’s remarks suggest that Shabana’s choice was guided by strategic, cultural and sporting considerations rather than concerns over the stadium’s quality.
With pre-season preparations gathering pace, the Glamour Boys are expected to continue training and playing from their selected venues while awaiting a long-term return to their home base in Kisii.
