Mashemeji Derby: Unraveling bizarre rituals and superstitions behind Kenya's fiercest rivalry

AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia's Mashemeji Derby features bizarre rituals, superstitions, and occasional unity, creating a unique football spectacle.

As the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia draws near, fans across Kenya prepare for the clash of titans on the football pitch. 

The intense rivalry between these two giants has been marred by a series of bizarre moments, some shrouded in superstition, that have left spectators and players alike in awe.

In the 93 times they have faced off, as of the most recent occasion, there have been some of the most perplexing occurrences that have taken place behind the scenes, which many say are traditions and have been happening even in the past.

One peculiar ritual involved scouts from both K'Ogalo and Ingwe, notorious for blowing dust towards match officials before kickoff. The ritual, steeped in superstition, was believed to counter any mystical powers the opposition might have employed to secure an advantage. This behind-the-scenes act became a peculiar tradition, a mystical dance before the footballing battle commenced.

Players, not immune to the superstitions that surrounded this clash, once took an extraordinary step. Refusing to use the Nyayo Stadium dressing room, they alleged that the opposing team fans had surreptitiously introduced a corpse into the room the night before. The consequence? One of the teams changed outside the stadium, bringing an unusual twist to the pre-match preparations.

In a bizarre episode that left the match official bewildered, a chicken head materialized in the middle of the pitch just as the referee was about to initiate proceedings. With a duty that extended beyond enforcing the rules of the game, the official had to pick up the unsettling find and toss it to the touchline, signaling the commencement of the match. A surreal moment that transcended the boundaries of the sport.

The strange occurrences extended to the night before the Derby, where both AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia stewards would spend the night at the stadium. Their mission: to protect the pitch from alleged instances of witchcraft. Stories abounded of people sneaking onto the hallowed turf with corpses, heightening the paranoia and superstitions that surrounded this historic fixture.

Changing rooms became taboo for both teams, driven by a shared belief in superstitions. During the 1-1 draw at Nyayo Stadium in August 2017, both AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia opted for their buses as makeshift changing rooms. The teams lined up in the tunnel, avoiding the rooms, fearing they might be tainted by evil forces. Superstition triumphed over convenience in this intense clash.

Using VIP gates also became a contentious issue. AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia players, bound by superstition, frequently opted for alternative entrances. The Russia gate, commonly used by fans, became the players' preferred route. A walk across the pitch before warm-up became part of the pre-match routine, avoiding any potential influence from supernatural elements lingering in the changing rooms.

The intensity of the Derby reached its zenith at Nyayo Stadium's gate six, where regular AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia supporters sat in close proximity. Verbal skirmishes were routine, and chaos often erupted. The air was charged with animosity, creating an atmosphere where the passion for the game sometimes spilled over into something more volatile.

However, even in the fierce battleground of football rivalry, there were moments of unexpected unity. In 2017, preceding the elections, the animosity took a backseat. AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia fans embraced each other, singing political tunes in unison. A stark departure from the usual hostility, this unique episode showcased the power of sport to transcend political and tribal boundaries, if only for a fleeting moment.