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Rachier urges AFC Leopards to consider lowering Mashemeji Derby ticket prices
22nd April, 2026 02:07 PM
Long-serving Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier has pleaded with traditional rivals AFC Leopards to consider lowering match ticket prices for the highly anticipated 99th edition of the famous Mashemeji Derby slated for Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Addressing members of the press on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at a Nairobi hotel, the Gor Mahia chief called for a possible review of Mashemeji Derby ticketing in response to the difficult economic climate facing supporters.
Ticketing info
A spot check by K24 Sports on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, showed that early bird tickets priced at Ksh300 for the particular clash were already sold out. Ingwe has rated the advance ticket at Ksh500, gate at Ksh1,000, and VIP at Ksh2,000, raising a concern among both sets of fans.
“Let’s make our ticketing affordable to attract more fans. Just looking at the state of the economy, it’s not really favourable. We don’t have the power to choose how our opponents price their tickets, but we can just appeal for them to consider pleas of the fans,” Rachier lamented.
The veteran football administrator explained that considering the ticketing price is critical, as it will ensure loyal supporters are not locked out of one of the biggest fixtures on the local football calendar due to tough financial conditions.
Poor officiating
However, beyond the issue of ticket pricing, Rachier also turned attention to broader concerns affecting Kenyan football, particularly the quality of refereeing in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League. The renowned Senior Counsel voiced unease over what he described as inconsistent decision-making by match officials during a decisive stage of the campaign.
“It has been so long since I spoke about the justice in our league. I’m not fighting the federation or speaking as Gor Mahia chairman, but talking as a football stakeholder interested in saving our league,” Rachier said.
He further challenged stakeholders to reflect on whether the current refereeing standards meet expectations, raising concerns about decisions made during crucial matches late in the season.
”Are we truly satisfied with the level of officiating in our league?” He posed.
Rachier’s call for improved officiating comes against the backdrop of the side’s technical bench voicing their frustrations in two consecutive league matches, where K’Ogalo dropped crucial points against Tusker at Wang’uru Stadium and Bandari FC at the Kasarani Stadium.
Common occurrence
In Gor Mahia’s 1-0 defeat to Tusker and 0-0 stalemate with Bandari, a common officiating lapse against K’Ogalo was highlighted, where in both outings, the club felt like it was denied two well-deserved penalties in each fixture.
“There have been questionable decisions at a very critical point of the season. Justice must prevail not just for Gor Mahia, but for every team in the league. We are not asking for favours, only that the rules are applied fairly,” he added.
Meanwhile, the upcoming blockbuster between the top two sides in the league standings, separated by just three points, could shape the title race once again. Gor Mahia lead the table with 58 points, as AFC Leopards, hot on their heels, follow in second with 55 points.
