The fourth edition of the Gavana Wa Raia Football Tournament has been postponed to allow teams and players to participate in activities leading up to the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
In a statement on Monday, September 21, 2026, the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government announced that the tournament, which kicked off on September 19, 2026, would be suspended until after the national celebrations scheduled for October 20, 2026.
The decision follows the launch of the Mashujaa sports programme by Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, during which participating counties were encouraged to align their sporting activities with the wider Mashujaa celebrations.
“The 4th Edition of the Gavana Wa Raia Football Tournament, which commenced on 19th September 2026, is hereby postponed to a date to be communicated after the Mashujaa Day celebrations,” the statement said.
Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties are set to co-host the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations under the theme Sports, Security and Finance. To facilitate participation in the Mashujaa tournament, organisers have released all teams and registered players currently taking part in the Gavana Wa Raia competition.
“The teams and their registered players participating in the Gavana Wa Raia Tournament are released to participate in the Mashujaa Football Tournament,” the statement noted.
Status of Gavana Wa Raia Football Tournament
Organisers assured participants that matches already played will not be affected by the postponement, with results from fixtures held on September 19 and 20 set to stand when the competition resumes.
The county government also confirmed that the planned kitting of Gavana Wa Raia teams will proceed as earlier scheduled despite the temporary suspension of matches.
“All Gavana Wa Raia matches played on 19th and 20th September, 2026 shall stand and results carried forward when the tournament resumes,” the statement added.
Further details on the Mashujaa tournament, including fixtures, venues, timelines and participation requirements, will be communicated by the Local Organising Committee in due course.
Officials also appealed to teams, players and fans for cooperation as preparations intensify for the Mashujaa sports programme and the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
