Bishop Faces Off With FKF Over Use of Ole Ntimama Stadium

A dispute has emerged in Narok County over the use of William Ole Ntimama Stadium, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) raising concerns about a planned religious crusade at the venue ahead of a scheduled Premier League match.

The disagreement centres on the Rimafest mega crusade, planned for October 28 to 30, and a football fixture between Mara Sugar and AFC Leopards.

Speaking at the stadium entrance, FKF Narok Chairperson Peter Carino said the venue was expected to host the football match and stressed the importance of keeping sporting facilities available for players during the school holiday period.

Carino argued that organised sports provide young people with opportunities to develop their talents and engage in constructive activities.

“Keeping the stadium available for football during the long holiday season is crucial in engaging young people,” Carino said, adding that sporting activities could help provide alternatives to drug and substance abuse.

Local football stakeholders and players also expressed concern that hosting non sporting events at football grounds could damage playing surfaces, create safety risks and disrupt training schedules.

Organisers of the religious crusade declined to comment on camera, saying they were participating in an intercessory session at the stadium entrance as preparations continued.

The competing bookings have raised questions about how the county’s sporting facilities should be scheduled and maintained when sporting fixtures and other public events seek to use the same venue.