Gor Mahia fans face backlash for storming church event after Mashemeji Derby victory

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Gor Mahia fans face backlash for storming church event after Mashemeji Derby victory

Festus Chuma 11:40 - 22.04.2024

The K'Ogalo fans disrupted a crusade to honor late CDF General Ogolla after their football match victory.

Gor Mahia fans stormed the Victors Assembly Church crusade held at the National Archives near the Tom Mboya statue in Nairobi's Central Business District on Sunday, April 21, 2024. 

The event, led by Reverend Ruth Wamuyu, was momentarily disrupted when the football supporters arrived fresh from their victory, seeking to conduct a thanksgiving ceremony adjacent to the statue.

The fans, still reveling in their team's win against arch-rivals AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo National Stadium, demanded a moment of silence in memory of the late Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Francis Ogolla. 

The congregation acquiesced, allowing the fans to have their moment, which eventually led to the restoration of peace at the crusade.

The statue is a well-known gathering spot for Gor Mahia supporters, who consider it a place to seek divine blessings or give thanks following their matches.

Tom Mboya, a founding member of Gor Mahia in 1968 and a celebrated historical figure, has his legacy intertwined with the club. The statue has been a focal point for fans since it was erected 13 years ago.

The match itself was a tense affair with Austine Odhiambo scoring the only goal of the game in the 30th minute, capitalizing on an error by Leopards' goalkeeper Levis Opiyo. 

The game took a dramatic turn when Gor Mahia's goalkeeper, Kelvin Omondi, received a red card in the 37th minute for a professional foul, putting further pressure on the team.

Despite being one player down, substitute goalkeeper Caleb Omondi stepped in and delivered a crucial performance, keeping a clean sheet through the second half amidst significant pressure.

With this victory, Gor Mahia solidifies its lead in the FKF Premier League, now nine points clear at the top and on track to clinch a historic 21st title.

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