There is a distinct air of anticipation surrounding the AFC Leopards chairmanship elections as the Kenyan football community counts down to June 29 at MISC, Kasarani. In a season often defined by battles on the pitch, the most intense contest for the Ingwe faithful is happening off it—within the club’s own democracy. After a rigorous vetting process, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared exactly 2,707 club members to cast a ballot, setting the stage for a transformational moment in AFC Leopards’ storied history.
Reshaping the club through leadership
The race has dramatically transformed into a head-to-head duel after former club CEO Ronald Namai bowed out and threw his support behind ex-player Boniface Ambani. Now, only Ambani and Enos Vincent Mutoka remain to contest the chairmanship—a two-man showdown that encapsulates both tradition and transformation.
This election represents more than a change of guard. With outgoing chairman Dan Shikanda ineligible to run after his six-year tenure, an entirely new era beckons—not only for the club but for its enduring community of supporters. Shikanda, who doubles as the Nairobi NEC member of the Football Kenya Federation, has vowed to ensure a smooth handover, recognizing the enormity of what’s at stake.
The heavyweights step up: Ambani’s promise of revival
Boniface Ambani’s story is woven deeply with AFC Leopards. As a striker, he helped deliver the club’s last league title in 1998—a triumph that remains a sacred memory for many fans. Ambani’s post-playing career has been equally eventful, having served as sporting director at Mara Sugar and fueling their promotion to the FKF Premier League.
Fuelled by these experiences, Ambani’s manifesto doesn’t just look nostalgic—it’s rooted in pragmatic optimism. His vision revolves around reviving Leopards’ winning culture, strengthening the playing unit, and putting player welfare front and center. These themes strike a powerful chord, especially when he addresses the infamous 27-year league title drought that looms over the club.
“I want to redeem Ingwe’s lost glory. My focus is to strengthen the playing unit and improve players’ welfare so that we can return to winning ways and, more importantly, end the 27-year league title drought,” says Ambani.
Ambani also advocates for inclusivity—not just by words, but by pledging equal attention to both men’s and women’s teams. This commitment leans into a future where all facets of the club are driven by excellence and dignity. His programme is ambitious, underscoring revenue growth through merchandising and robust sponsorship across the full spectrum of club activities—with an eye on everything from match day kits to travel attire.
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Mutoka: Vision for youth development and community unity
Facing off against Ambani is Enos Vincent Mutoka, the club’s former commercial director. Mutoka’s leadership pitch is anchored in youth, sustainability, and cultural reform. He envisions a rejuvenated AFC Leopards where recruitment and youth development aren’t just afterthoughts, but the backbone of long-term success.
His blueprint outlines a positive culture, player recognition awards, and enhanced engagement with the wider community—all strategies to rebuild fan trust and pride. On the administrative side, Mutoka pledges robust structural reforms, aiming for discipline, transparency, and real participation from grassroots stakeholders.
This clear divergence in campaign focus—Ambani with a nod to tradition and on-field glory, Mutoka eying systemic and cultural rebirth—has reignited debate among fans and stakeholders about what is truly needed to return Ingwe to its rightful place in Kenyan football.
The power of community: Voters at the center of change
The importance of this election is underscored by the IEBC’s role in ensuring both fairness and transparency. The meticulous clearing of 2,707 voters is itself a testament to the seriousness with which AFC Leopards regards its social contract with the community. The campaign period, open since June 10 and ending June 27, has been marked by passionate debate, a showcase of democracy at work in Kenyan sport.
Even beyond the chairmanship, this election casts a wide net. The Secretary-General’s position is hotly contested, with Robert Khamala Situma, Isaac Mulanda Mulindi, and Irene Sitawa Wekesa (Renee) all in the hunt. Each brings their unique flavor—be it enhancing communication, supporting women’s and youth teams, or instilling sound financial discipline. Similar energy is found in the treasurer’s race, where Patrick Kanyangi, Edward Buhasho, and Newton Luchacha vie to steady the financial helm as outgoing treasurer Oliver Napali steps aside.
What’s at stake for AFC Leopards
For a club known for its passionate following and storied legacy, the coming days are more than just procedural—they are intimate, emotional, and urgent. The elections go to the heart of what it means to be a Leopard. They are a chance for members to express what they want the next chapter to look like—will it be a nostalgia-fueled return to old glory, or a bold leap into a future defined by youth, transparency, and community engagement?
Whichever way the 2,707 voters go, the significance of this moment will linger long after the ballots are counted. History, hope, and the promise of new beginnings—all hang in the balance as AFC Leopards prepare to choose their next leaders. Ingwe’s fate rests not just in the hands of Ambani and Mutoka, but in the collective vote of a community yearning for transformation, unity, and a return to what makes Kenyan football so endlessly compelling.
Key dates and details to remember
- IEBC has cleared 2,707 AFC Leopards members to vote,
- Elections will be held at MISC, Kasarani on June 29 between 8am and 1pm,
- The campaign period closes on June 27.
In the end, this election is not just about one club. It’s a mirror for Kenyan football—the challenges, the dreams, and most importantly, the unbreakable spirit of the fans who keep hope alive, season after season.
