Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas ‘Toto’ Shimanyula has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), vowing to reform Kenyan football and restore order. At the launch event held at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega, Shimanyula also introduced Bandari FC Vice Chairman Twaha Mbarak as his running mate.
If elected to replace Nick Mwendwa, Shimanyula promises to enhance the FKF Premier League (FKF-PL), the National Super League (NSL), and the Women’s Premier League, as well as improve training for both coaches and referees.
“I understand the issues affecting our football, and it’s clear that Mwendwa has failed us. It’s time for him to step down and allow fresh leadership. Under my tenure, I can assure you that the mismanagement we’ve seen will end, especially the two-year-long salary delays for referees. That will not happen under my leadership,” Shimanyula declared.
The Kakamega-based businessman also detailed his plans to secure sponsorships for women’s football and ensure a fair selection process for the national team, Harambee Stars. “For years, we’ve seen issues with the national team selection process.
Many talented players are overlooked simply because they don’t play for certain clubs. This has to change,” he stated. He highlighted the burden on National Super League teams, which are required to pay referees before matches, noting that this opens the door to corruption as teams can bribe officials for favorable outcomes.
Shimanyula further stressed the neglect of women’s football, pointing out the lack of sponsorship and unpaid wages for female players. “The current regime has completely failed our girls. As we speak, there’s no sponsor, and the players are unpaid,” he added.
Shimanyula joins a growing list of candidates vying for the FKF presidency in the elections scheduled for December 7, which includes Sam Nyamweya, Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, Tom Alila, and Hussein Mohammed.
