By Bonface Mulyungi
The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) temporarily suspended the much-anticipated Kenya Premier League clash between Gor Mahia and Mara Sugar after an escalating dispute over the venue of the potentially title-deciding fixture.
The tribunal, in directions issued on Friday, certified the matter as urgent and ordered an immediate halt to the match pending a hearing scheduled for May 26.
“Pending the hearing and determination of this Application, the Tribunal grants an order suspending Kenya Premier League Match No. 293 between Mara Sugar Football Club and Gor Mahia Football Club.”
The clash had initially been scheduled for Awendo Green Stadium, Mara Sugar’s home ground. However, FKF raised security concerns over the venue’s capacity amid expectations of thousands of Gor Mahia supporters travelling for what could be a historic title-clinching match.
Mara Sugar later proposed Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea as an alternative venue, but FKF rejected the request on grounds that the stadium had not been submitted among approved venues at the start of the season.
FKF subsequently directed that the match be played at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, prompting Mara Sugar to move to the SDT seeking intervention.
The tribunal also issued a stay against FKF’s relocation directive.
“The Tribunal grants an order of stay of execution of the decision of the 2nd Respondent dated 21st May 2026 directing that the Kenya Premier League Match No. 293 between Mara Sugar FC and Gor Mahia FC be played at Raila Odinga Stadium, Homabay.”
The tribunal additionally ordered that no preparations for the match should continue until the matter is heard and determined.
“No steps be taken by any party, including the 1st and 2nd Respondents, or any other person acting under their authority or direction, to stage, officiate, broadcast, or otherwise give effect to the said match, until further orders of this Honourable Tribunal. “Read part of the ruling
The fixture carries enormous title implications. Gor Mahia currently top the FKF Premier League standings with 68 points, four ahead of AFC Leopards with only two matches remaining.
Victory against Mara Sugar would mathematically hand Gor Mahia a record-extending 22nd league title and an unassailable 71 points.
Beyond the championship race, massive financial incentives are also at stake. The league winners are set to receive Ksh 15 million in prize money, while Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has reportedly promised players an additional Ksh 5 million bonus should they seal the title with victory over Mara Sugar.
Historically, Gor Mahia have dominated the fixture, including a convincing 3-0 win over Mara Sugar earlier this year in the first leg.
