The Gor Mahia elections 2025 have captivated the attention of football enthusiasts and political observers alike. This pivotal event, slated for April 13 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, promises not just a shake-up in leadership but a potential redefinition of the club’s future direction. The stakes are high, with intense scrutiny on the election procedures, candidate eligibility, and, most notably, the hefty nomination fees that have sparked controversy among the contenders.
A look into the electoral process
As the election day draws near, the Gor Mahia electoral board, chaired by Githu Wahome, has meticulously outlined the requirements for candidates vying for the club’s four major positions: chairman, vice chairperson, secretary general, and treasurer. One of the most talked-about aspects has been the substantial, non-refundable fees that candidates must remit – KSh500,000 for the chairman, KSh450,000 for the vice chairman, and KSh400,000 each for the secretary general and treasurer roles.
Stringent eligibility criteria
Election contestants must adhere to strict guidelines, anchored in the club’s constitution of 2019. Key stipulations include active club membership for at least three years, formal nomination by a minimum of 20 club branches or members who have not backed another candidate, and compliance with Kenya’s Chapter Six on leadership and integrity. This clause necessitates several documents such as a valid KRA tax compliance certificate, a HELB clearance certificate, a certificate of good conduct, and more.
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Contentions and controversies
The demanding election fees have come under fire from several candidates. Current treasurer and chair aspirant Dolfina Odhiambo has been vocal in her criticism, labeling the fees as excessively prohibitive and suggesting they serve as a barrier to entry, especially given past nominal fees of only KSh20,000 for club positions in earlier elections.
Odhiambo has called for the fees to be deposited in an independent account managed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to ensure transparency. Despite these allegations, she has decided against legal action, fearing it might play into her opponents’ hands.
Leadership battles
At the forefront of the electoral battles is Ambrose Rachier, the long-time chair since 2009, who has led Gor Mahia to nine league titles. He is aiming for what he asserts is a justified second term under the Sports Act, facing a significant challenge from Odhiambo, who condemns his leadership as self-centered.
In other races, the position of vice chairperson is fiercely contested, with incumbent Francis Wasuna squaring off against Sally Bollo and Victor Mbaka. Meanwhile, the race for the secretary general position witnesses Sam Ochola facing off against Canor Arum, while the treasurer’s seat pits Gerphas Okuku against Dalmas Philip Nyakwana and Migono Migono.
Restricting the voter base
Further adding to the complexity of these elections is the recent closure of membership registrations on March 31, making only those registered by this date eligible to vote. This restriction potentially influences the election outcomes by locking out new supporters who might sway the vote balance.
Looking ahead
With just days to the elections, the atmosphere is charged, and the anticipation mounts. As the candidates rally their supporters and voices of critique echo around the electoral process, it remains to be seen how this pivotal moment in Gor Mahia’s history will unfold. Regardless of the outcome, the elections are more than just about choosing new leaders; they are a reflection of the club’s ambitions and the continuous interplay of football, politics, and community engagement in Kenya.
