Murima Derby: 3K Imeangusha Kabati

The Murima Derby promised pride, noise and neighbourly rivalry — and it delivered all that, just not the result the home fans from Thika County would have hoped for.

Debutants Kabati Youth welcomed Embu County’s 3K FC in an FKF National Super League clash dubbed the Murima Derby, a Mount Kenya affair where geography mattered, but execution mattered more. By the final whistle, it was 3K FC who walked away smiling after a ruthless 2–0 victory, powered by early goals, relentless wing play and a travelling support that turned the stadium into an away fortress.

A choir, drums and domination

Even before the referee blew the first whistle, 3K FC had already won the battle of voices. Their fans; some travelling all the way from Embu, others based nearby; flooded the stands, dominated the VIP section and sang with the confidence of people who knew something good was coming.

Led by an energetic “choir-master,” the chants rolled endlessly:

“Moyo wangu wataka nini?”
“Moyo wangu wataka Kabati!”
— and the punchline followed —
“Kabati ni timu ndogo, ndogo tena sana!”

Drums beat, whistles screamed, jerseys reading “Mozzart” and “Home of Stars” danced in unison; and three minutes later, football joined the concert.

Early chaos breaks Kabati

Just three minutes in, Kabati’s defensive line misfired. Right-back Amos Ochieng tried to play Amir Ndune offside, but the trap snapped shut on the wrong side. Ndune stayed calm, killed the ball behind his marker and drilled a low shot into the net. Cue pandemonium. Alex Kazungu Mwalimu led the celebrations right in front of a section already overdosed on dopamine.

Kabati barely had time to regroup before disaster struck again. Five minutes later, a hopeful lob into Kabati’s box caused panic. Goalkeeper Paul Kamau opted to punch instead of catch, but his clearance lacked conviction. The ball dropped kindly to Michael Amwayi, who nodded it home to make it 2–0. The Murima Derby had turned brutal before the tenth minute.

Kabati respond, 3K resist

Staring at an early embarrassment, Kabati finally settled. Glen Githinji, however, ensured their misery continued down the left flank. His marker, Amos Ochieng, endured a torrid half as Githinji’s pace and trickery repeatedly opened gaps.

Kabati did have moments. In the 34th minute, a teasing cross found Ivayo Banzy, who attempted the spectacular but missed his connection. Four minutes later, Banzy delayed after latching onto a beautiful through ball, allowing 3K goalkeeper Issa Safeli to smother the danger; though Banzy’s late challenge earned a pause in play for treatment.

Much of Kabati’s threat came from the right, where Fidel Andewa showcased speed and a bag of tricks, but his final deliveries went unutilized. At the other end, Githinji forced a corner in the 44th minute with a deflected long-range effort, while Bernard Ng’etich saw yellow in added time for time-wasting; a clear sign 3K were already managing the game.

Second-half resistance

Kabati rang the changes at the break, introducing veteran Kelvin Mwaura and Kennedy Mwanzo for Dennis Karanja and the beleaguered Amos Ochieng. The intent was clear: restore composure and stop the bleeding.

They pressed, probed and pumped long balls forward, but 3K captain Daniel Wanjala stood tall. Dominant in the air and calm under pressure, he repelled wave after wave of Kabati attacks.

3K responded tactically in the 66th minute, withdrawing Alex Mwalimu and the booked Ng’etich for fresh legs in Neddy Moses and Eugene Ateya. Kabati followed suit shortly after, bringing on Amos Mbogo and Dennis Ndungu as they chased a lifeline.

A painful ending

Kabati threw everything forward late on, but the final blow came not from the scoreboard, but from misfortune. Ivayo Banzy, battling tirelessly, was badly injured while attempting to weave through 3K’s defence. His foot got caught, and he was stretchered off straight into an ambulance; a sobering end to a frustrating afternoon.

Murima is Yellow

At the final whistle, the travelling fans erupted once more. Songs, dances and chants echoed long after play stopped. 3K FC’s 2–0 win lifted them to 27 points, just two behind league leaders Migori Youth, and firmly secured Murima bragging rights.

For Kabati Youth, the year ends in 17th place, a harsh but valuable lesson in life at National Super League level.