Mara Sugar vs Gor Mahia match suspended following tribunal order
By Joel Masibo, May 23, 2026The scheduled Football Kenya Federation Premier League clash between Mara Sugar and Gor Mahia in Homa Bay on Sunday, May 24, 2026, has been suspended after an order issued by the Sports Disputes Tribunal in Nairobi.
In a statement released by Gor Mahia on Saturday, May 23, 2026 following the ruling, K’Ogalo confirmed that: “as per the court order attached, Gor Mahia’s match against Mara Sugar in Homa Bay has been cancelled pending further direction from the Federation. We apologise to all fans.” The statement said.
Meanwhile, according to documents issued by the tribunal under case number SDTSC/E035/2026, Mara Sugar filed an urgent application against Football Kenya Federation (FKF) directing the match to be staged at the Raila Odinga Stadium instead of their preferred alternative venue, Wang’uru International Stadium in Kirinyaga . The application was presented through Masinde Wanyonyi and Company Advocates.
Venue drama
The tribunal certified the matter as urgent and ordered the suspension of FKF Premier League Match No. 293 involving Mara Sugar and Gor Mahia, which had been scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
Originally, the fixture was scheduled to be staged at the Awendo Green Stadium, but it was later moved to Wang’uru over security and safety concerns around the facility. Later on, FKF moved the match to Homa Bay, prompting Mara Sugar to escalate the matter to the STD.
The latest STD order has further directed that no party, including FKF officials or any individuals acting under their authority, should proceed with staging, officiating, broadcasting, or facilitating the match until further instructions are issued by the tribunal.
In addition, the tribunal granted a stay of execution against a decision made on Friday, May 21, 2026, concerning the fixture. The matter will remain on hold pending the hearing and determination of the application.
The respondents and interested parties have been instructed to file their responses by Monday, May 25, 2026, while the case is set to be mentioned before the tribunal on May 26, 2026, via Microsoft Teams for further directions.
The panel hearing the matter includes Hon. Luke Wamugunda as Chair, alongside Hon. Allan Mola and Hon. Alela Mukoko.
The suspension is a major setback for fans who had been eagerly anticipating the league encounter in Homa Bay, with supporters now awaiting further communication from FKF and the Sports Disputes Tribunal regarding the fate of the fixture.
Maintaing the focus
Despite the slowed momentum in their title push, league leaders Gor Mahia are still bullish, insisting that they will not be detracted by the events surrounding the fixture.
“Our focus remains unchanged. Opponents can play all the monkey games they want with the venue but one thing is certain, we are ready to beat them anywhere, anytime. Otoyo will still cry premium tears.” The statement said. A win against Mara Sugar would have been enough for Gor Mahia to be crowned 2026 Kenyan Premier League champions, edging arch rivals AFC Leopards to the title.