AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia: footballing rivalry and shared political underdog status in Kenya

Abstract

In competitive sport, especially soccer, rivalries constitute the highlight of any given season for such rivalries make for entertaining contests, marketability of the competitions and general following by the spectators. Indeed, rivalry adds to the competitive edge of the matches that is appealing and memorable, thereby fomenting a compelling legacy over the years. This essay focuses on the epic yet enduring rivalry between AFC Leopards (formerly Abaluhya United and also fondly called ‘Ingwe’ in Swahili) and Gor Mahia (also fondly called ‘K’Ogalo’) of Kenya – the two most successful and oldest football clubs in Kenya. These were formed to provide opportunities for socialization as well as forging of ethnic identities of the Abaluhya and Luo ethnic groups in the city of Nairobi, for AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, respectively. This rivalry is, therefore, deeply rooted in the ethnic differences of the communities that were core to their formation and fan base. The essay will endeavour to explore the multidimensional nature of the rivalry concept and demonstrate how it applies in the Kenyan soccer scene using AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia Football Clubs as points of analysis. Additionally, it will demonstrate how the two teams’ fans, despite their bitter rivalry on the field, have occasionally rallied together in political matters given their shared legacy of being on the periphery of political and economic power in Kenya.