Battle Lines Drawn as Action-Packed FKF Premier League Returns After Mourning Break

SportPesa League returns to life next weekend following a brief but respectful break to honor the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved swiftly to reschedule matches amidst national mourning, showing solidarity with leaders and fans throughout the country. Following the end of commemorations of Odinga's legacy, teams are turning their focus again to the quest for early-season points.

The return will be anything but generous. Fixture congestion looms as clubs set for two full sets of games jammed into October 24 to October 30. Coaches are already scheming squad rotation, knowing that fatigue and injury could have their say in dictating results. Supporters, deprived of domestic football for two weeks, have gone at speed into excitement mode as the calendar is once more filled.

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Round Five kicks off the weekend with Mara Sugar hosting Bidco United at Awendo Green Stadium on Friday, October 24. Saturday has it all nationwide. Kariobangi Sharks host APS Bomet at Kasarani Annex, Kakamega Homeboyz face Ulinzi Stars at Bukhungu, and Nyayo Stadium gets ready for crowd-attracting match between AFC Leopards and KCB—a match sure to cause much commotion on and off the pitch.

Sunday continues from where it stopped with Murang'a Seal to stage a historic home clash with Tusker FC at the refurbished SportPesa Arena. Shabana FC welcome Mathare United to Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, a fixture that can swing in either direction with momentum. Gor Mahia will seal the round at Nyayo Stadium when they clash with Posta Rangers, a fixture that typically provides tactical intrigue.

Sweating bullets at this point, teams resume action on Tuesday, October 28 in Round Six. Sofapaka sets the ball rolling when they host Mara Sugar at Kasarani Annex, with the two sides each seeking to make an early push.

There is a hectic programme on Wednesday with four matches at different venues. Tusker's fixture against Kariobangi Sharks is one of the draws, with both sides also associated with free-scoring attacking football. Ulinzi Stars take on Bidco United, Shabana take on AFC Leopards, and APS Bomet take on Kakamega Homeboyz in a physical midweek encounter that promises to be.

Mathare United will entertain Gor Mahia at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday, October 30, in what will be a highly entertaining match. Posta Rangers will attempt to silence Murang'a Seal at Machakos, while Bandari host Kenya Police at the KPA Sports Club grounds in Mombasa. The final game of the round is played when KCB host Nairobi United at the SportPesa Arena—a match that will be of huge importance to the league standings.

Several of the marquee matches will be aired live, with broadcasters eager to take advantage of matches involving giants like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Tusker.

The move is likely to boost attendance at stadiums and attract larger viewership at home. Supporters who had to see out the recent international break—and the subsequent bereavement pause—will greet this injection of local football with open arms.