This archive report was first published on 25 November 2019.
November 25, 2019, marked a bygone era in Kenyan football, where fans were known for their unwavering dedication and passion for their teams. The likes of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards were household names, commanding respect both locally and abroad.
At the height of their glory, AFC Leopards were sharing shirt sponsors with Liverpool FC, while Gor Mahia etched its name in history as the first team from East Africa to win a continental cup, the Nelson Mandela Cup in 1987.
These achievements were made possible by the fanatical support of their fans, who were known for their patriotism and dedication. The fans of the old knew a thing or two about being passionate about their clubs, often going to great lengths to show their support.
Scouts from both clubs would camp at the stadium on the night before a derby, guarding against 'researchers' from the opposing side planting juju on behalf of their team. Serious fights would break out during these nighttime battles, with fans only hearing about them the next day as the match progressed.
Another thing the fans had in common was their never-say-die spirit. They would sing and dance regardless of the scoreboard, as the current generation would put it, 'nobody can stop reggae.'
Stories abound of frenzied supporters singing along with the victorious fans from City or Nyayo stadiums all the way to the city centre, only to remember they had left their cars parked in Nairobi West. They would then walk back or jump into a matatu to go fetch the abandoned vehicles.
Today, however, the scene is vastly different. Fans spend their time in front of TVs following foreign leagues, supporting players whose living quarters they know nothing of. They engage in serious bar room politics, decrying any form of imperialism, while donning Manchester United, Arsenal, or Liverpool jerseys.
