Mara Sugar vs Gor Mahia crucial duel moved to Wang’uru Stadium
By Joel Masibo, May 21, 2026A crucial Football Kenya Federation Premier League duel between hosts Mara Sugar and leaders Gor Mahia has been moved from the disputed Awendo Green Stadium in Migori to Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
In a brief update shared by Gor Mahia on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Gor Mahia stated that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had ruled out the Migori County-based stadium due to safety concerns ahead of the highly anticipated encounter.
“Giving priority to players’ and fans’ safety, FKF instructed hosts Mara Sugar to identify and secure an alternative venue that meets the required safety and match-day standards before the game can proceed. “Awendo Green Stadium has been ruled out for Sunday’s clash against Mara Sugar due to safety concerns; FKF directs hosts Mara Sugar to secure a suitable alternative venue,” Gor Mahia said in a statement.
Ticketing
Notably, Mara Sugar have also reviewed ticketing details for the particular fixture, scaling it down from Ksh500 to Ksh300 for regular tickets, while the VIP will go for Ksh1000. Meanwhile, the latest development comes as stadium infrastructure and safety standards continue to attract attention in Kenyan football, with several venues across the country facing scrutiny over their readiness to host top-flight matches.
Earlier, Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier lamented the poor status of Wang’uru Stadium, where K’Ogalo suffered a frustrating 1-0 loss to Tusker FC. “We were taken to Wang’uru Stadium; it’s written ‘international stadium’, but the toilets were closed. Where do you go?” Rachier reacted.
Poor stadium facilities
The two sides faced off in a crucial FKF Premier League encounter at the western Kenya venue, but the match was overshadowed by complaints regarding the condition of the stadium’s changing and sanitation facilities.
In a statement shared via Facebook after the game on Wednesday night, May 6, 2026, Gor Mahia revealed that the team was forced to remain outdoors before kick-off because the dressing room allocated to them was unusable.
According to the club, players ended up resting under trees and changing into their kits on the pitch due to the poor conditions inside the assigned room.
“If you were in Mumias on Sunday, you may have wondered why our boys were sleeping under trees and changing kits on the pitch just before kick-off against Homeboyz,” the club stated.
“We were handed what they call a ‘dressing room’… a small, filthy toilet that couldn’t even fit five people. We had no choice but to stay outside. Some facilities are just NOT worth it,” the statement added.