AFC Leopards Chairmanship Two-Horse Contest Draws Battle Lines Ahead of June 29 Elections

AFC Leopards Chairmanship Two-Horse Contest Draws Battle Lines Ahead of June 29 Elections

Festus Chuma 07:15 - 20.06.2025

AFC Leopards chairmanship race narrows to two candidates as IEBC clears 2,707 voters ahead of June 29 club elections.

Boniface Ambani will face off with Enos Vincent Mutoka in what promises to be a fiercely contested AFC Leopards chairmanship race during the club’s elections scheduled for June 29 at MISC, Kasarani.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), tasked with overseeing the electoral process, has cleared 2,707 registered members of the club to participate in the polls. The voting will take place between 8am and 1pm.

“This is a great opportunity for us to choose a visionary leader who will take Ingwe to the next level. We have cleared the candidates after a thorough vetting process,” said the IEBC in a statement confirming the final list of eligible voters as per Nation.

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The chairmanship race took a decisive turn following the withdrawal of former club CEO Ronald Namai, who has now endorsed Boniface Ambani for the top seat.

Namai’s move leaves the contest as a straight duel between Ambani and Mutoka, the club’s former commercial director.

Ambani Promises Revival and Inclusivity

Boniface Ambani, a former striker who helped AFC Leopards win their last league title in 1998, has vowed to restore the club's lost glory.

The retired international played for Leopards, Tusker FC, Tanzanian giants Young Africans (Yanga), and also had stints in India and Oman. His most recent football role was as sporting director at Mara Sugar, where he played a key role in the club’s promotion to the FKF Premier League.

“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,” said Ambani.

He also pledged to prioritize inclusivity in club affairs by giving equal attention to both the men’s and women’s teams.

His campaign manifesto outlines an ambitious programme focused on revenue generation through merchandising and securing sponsorships across various club activities, including match day kits, training, and travel.

Mutoka’s Youth Agenda and Community Vision

Enos Vincent Mutoka, on the other hand, has highlighted player recruitment, youth development, and community engagement as pillars of his campaign.

A former commercial director at the club, Mutoka is positioning himself as the candidate best suited to instill a positive culture and long-term sustainability within AFC Leopards.

His manifesto outlines plans to introduce recognition awards for players, boost morale within the playing unit, and increase fan involvement through community-based initiatives.

Mutoka is also emphasizing the need for structural reforms and a disciplined administrative approach.

In addition to the chairmanship, the race for the secretary-general post has attracted three contenders: Robert Khamala Situma, Isaac Mulanda Mulindi, and Irene Sitawa Wekesa, popularly known as Renee. They are vying to succeed Caroline Walusaga, who has been acting in an interim capacity following the death of Gilbert Andugu in May.

Mulindi has pledged to improve communication, enhance revenue streams, and support both women’s and youth teams.

Situma wants to refocus the club’s priorities towards winning titles, while Sitawa of ‘Team Mamade Mama’ has promised to instill sound financial management.

IEBC has also cleared Patrick Kanyangi, Edward Buhasho, and Newton Luchacha to contest the treasurer’s seat. All three have committed to championing transparency and accountability. Outgoing treasurer Oliver Napali will not be seeking re-election, citing personal reasons.

The campaign period officially started on June 10 and will conclude on June 27.

IEBC will oversee the polls in coordination with the club’s electoral management group, which includes Lawrence Weche, Hosea Kisienya, Moffot Mutiba, and Dimina Minagi.

Candidates for the top positions paid nomination fees of Sh400,000 for the chairmanship and Sh300,000 for the secretary-general and treasurer posts.

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