By Hillary Mukasa
While Wembley Stadium is the most iconic stadium in the world, in Meru we have Kinoru stadium that is iconic in the region and the country. The stadium has undergone a lot of transition since the eighties and is now modern.
Meru FC versus Mutindwa Derby
Just like the Mashemeji derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, English derby between Arsenal and Manchester United, Scottish derby between Glasgow Rangers and Celtic, European derby between Dutch National Team and the German National team, Mutindwa FC versus Meru FC was no different in the early eighties. These two archrivals always brought Meru town to a standstill. The venue for the football extravaganza was none other than Kinoru Stadium. The reason for the great rivalism was because each of the two teams wanted to monopolize Meru football and reign supreme.
Top tier football in Kinoru
Meru bombers were the first team in Meru to play in the top tier league in 1987. Fans filled Kinoru stadium to watch the home team Meru bombers play against teams such as the mighty Gor Mahia FC, AFC Leopards, Kenya Breweries now Tusker FC, Shabana and Lanet Scarlet just but a few to mention. The greatest football players to ever play on Kenyan soil came to showcase their rich talent in Kinoru stadium in 1987 when Meru bombers hosted the big teams. Mahmoud “Kenya one” Abbas, Wilberforce “Maradona” Mulamba, JJ Masiga, Peter Dawo, Sammy “Jogoo” Onyango, Washington Muhanji and Ambrose “Golden boy” Ayoyi graced Kinoru Stadium. The list of soccer legends that played in Kinoru is endless. After Meru bombers there was Mafuko bombers sponsored by Mafuko bread Industries for 6 years from 1997-2002 before Kisima farm and Kambakia Christian Center took over as the sponsors from 2003-2004. Both Mafuko bombers and Kisima FC used Kinoru stadium as their home ground and whenever they played it was a beehive of activities.
Tusker FC used Kinoru Stadium as their home ground during the 2018/19 KPL season. They have always enjoyed a mammoth crowd at Kinoru Stadium. Three teams filed applications to the Meru County government to be allowed to use Kinoru Stadium as their home ground ahead of the 2020 season. The teams are Tusker FC, Ulinzi Stars and Wazito FC.
National Events
The Chapa Dimba na Safaricom National football tournament was held in Meru from June 20th to 23rd 2018 at Kinoru stadium. Fans were treated to football extravaganza for a whole week. Apart from the talent showcased there were talent scouts and the legendary Spaniard footballer Luis Javier Garcia was the guest of honor.
55th Madaraka day Celebrations
On 1st June 2018, the new Kinoru Stadium was filled as early as 4 am. President Uhuru Kenyatta led the celebrations of the Madaraka day. After the celebrations, the fans were entertained in the afternoon when Meru combined played against the Harambee Stars under 23 soccer team.
