Mashemeji derby marred by violence, fails to live up to billing

AFC Leopards fans run away from tear gas during their KPL match against Gor Mahia at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 27/07/14.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Hailed by many as the oldest and arguably the best derby in East Africa, the second leg of the Mashemeji derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, which ended in a 2-2 draw, was marred by hooliganism.
As one of the biggest local clash, Nyayo Stadium was packed with excitement, as a huge crowd turned out in their teams' colours. On the right side of the VIP seats, there were Gor fans wearing green jerseys, while Leopards fans were on the left, in their characteristic blue tops. "It's a balanced game and a draw is a fair result. Apart from a few ugly incidents, I think we enjoyed ourselves," said Isaac Juma, an AFC diehard.
The multiple rounds of Mexican Waves and lots of spontaneous chanting kept the fans entertained.
But it's after an exciting and thrilling first half that all hell broke loose when fans at gate seven (buffer zone) started throwing stones, bricks and bottles at each other. However, the police responded swiftly by lobbying tear gas to disperse them. The incident, in which the police have been accused of using excess force, nearly ruined a perfect derby, as the breather nearly took 20 minutes.
Many fans had expected to be entertained, but by half time, most of them had not entered the stadium with a bitterly disappointed Gor fan, Thomas Okoth, blaming the host team and ticket handlers for the delay.
"You can't imagine after arriving at the venue as early as 2pm, am still outside. It pains more because I had bought two VIP tickets for my wife and I.  Ticket handlers should take the blame for the mess as we have been forced to use one gate," said Okoth.
Just a few hours before kick-off, sitting areas in bars around Nyayo were scarce as thirsty fans poured in for pre-match drinks.
But for Mary Ayuma, an AFC merchandise vendor, she was unable to make sales as expected.
"Unlike the first derby, today's business has not been okay. I've sold less than 50 jerseys," said Ayuma.
However, it's Dan Sserenkuma, Leopards' tormentor-in-chief, who stole the show after scoring a brace to take his goal tally against Leopards to an incredible nine.