What Gor, Leopards fans need to know ahead of 'Mashemeji' derby

Fans planning to make it for the Mashemeji derby pitting arch-rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia at the Nyayo Stadium on Sunday have been urged to arrive early due to the stringent security measures put in place in the wake of the Garissa University terror attack.

Hosts AFC Leopards say there will be thorough frisking at all entry points to the stadium, and that fans seated in the terraces will not be allowed to cross over to the VIP section in the event that the heavens open up during the game.

Stadium Security Chairman GMT Ottieno, flanked by officials from the two clubs and Sports Kenya Board members, announced in yesterday’s briefing that nobody will be allowed inside the stadium’s perimeter wall without a ticket.

“Security will be intensified during the match because of the terror threat we are facing as a country. We know that the huge number of fans expected make it to the venue makes it a target for terrorists,” explained Ottieno.

“We have requested for a minimum of 300 police officers who will sweep round the stadium at 10am with sniffer dogs before the gates open at midday,” he added.
The stadium security chairman also warned that no alcohol will be sold inside the venue.

DOKA ON THE SPOT

Ottieno further said the terraces above Gate Six, which have been blamed for sparking violence in the past, will be a no man’s land and that armed officers will instead be stationed there to separate the opposing fans.

Nassur Doka (centre referee), Michael Mwangi, Stephen Maina and Raphael Nduati (assistant referees) and James Theuri (Match Commissioner) will be the match officials.