Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards: Update on Installation of Seats at Mashemeji Derby Venue

Renovations at the Raila Odinga Stadium are nearing completion, with the venue set to host Kenya’s Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, followed by the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on June 2.

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The stadium is being upgraded into a modern sports facility with a seating capacity of over 12,000 and is part of the national preparations for Kenya’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

As of Monday, May 26, images seen by Pulse Sports reveal that significant strides have been made, particularly in the installation of seats in the stands, signaling readiness for the upcoming high-profile events.

While the Madaraka Day festivities will mark the stadium’s official unveiling, the real test comes a day later when the venue hosts the Mashemeji Derby, Kenya’s most fiercely contested football fixture.

The match will offer a glimpse into how well the stadium can handle a large, passionate crowd and meet the expectations of a premier sporting event.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, during a recent inspection tour, praised the progress and reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering a world-class facility as previously reported by Pulse Sports.

“We have done an inspection of this facility, the VIP area and also the terraces and we are satisfied, all of us, that good work has happened and Homa Bay County is ready,” said CS Mvurya on Saturday.