Raila and President Uhuru wow fans at Mashemeji Derby as former PM reacts to match results

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga meet AFC Leopards Dan Shikanda (right) and Ambrose Rachier (left) of Gor Mahia during FKF Premier league match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards at Kasarani Stadium. May 8, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday joined local fans at The Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani as Gor Mahia drew 1-1 with AFC Leopards in the 94th edition of the Mashemeji Derby.

Victor Omune gave Leopards a first half 1-0 lead before Benson Omalla leveled the scores in the second half as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Despite the draw, K’Ogalo kept their bragging rights as Ingwe are yet to beat them in the top-flight for the last six years.

The draw pushed Gor Mahia to fourth on the 18-team table with 47 points from 29 matches while Ingwe jumped to ninth on 39 points from 28 matches.

After the match, Raila addressed the fans outside the stadium as he continues to show his support for local football just as he does while supporting his favorite English Premier League team Arsenal.

"Game ngumu leo, both sides gave it their best as it ended 1-1. I loved watching everyone give their all to aid and spur their team to victory. Great having a brief conversation with fans and friends of mine after the game. Let us keep at it, better days are coming!" said Raila.

AFC Leopards' Dennis Njire (left) and Philemon Otieno of Gor Mahia at Kasarani Stadium. May 8, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

 For President Kenyatta, this is the third sporting event the President is attending in the past 24 hours.

On Saturday, the President and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta joined thousands of athletics fans at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi County for this year’s Kip Keino Classic.

The annual track and field event launched in 2020 is part of the Continental Tour Gold Series of the World Athletics, and is named after Kenyan Olympian Kipchoge Keino.

On Sunday morning, the President flagged off the inaugural Nairobi City Marathon, dubbed Uhuru Classic, at Nyayo National Stadium.