AFC Leopards Set for Grand Cultural Week and Football Gala in Bungoma

Ingwe announce a week-long celebration in Bungoma blending football, culture, and community in a vibrant national showcase.

Twelve-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions AFC Leopards are set to transform Bungoma County into a vibrant epicentre of culture, football, and community spirit during the second edition of their Player Awards Gala and Cultural Week from July 21 to 26, 2025.

The six-day celebration, which follows the success of last year's inaugural edition, promises an elevated experience for fans and communities, as the club seeks to blend its rich footballing tradition with Kenya's diverse cultural heritage.

“It will be a movement of culture, of pride, of unity, and of football excellence,” declared Olympia Musonye, Chairperson of the U45 Unit Branch, during a colourful event to unveil the much-anticipated programme.

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Set under the theme “Our Culture, Our Pride: Showcasing Kenya through Football and Cuisine,” the event will go beyond awarding player excellence to become a national platform for cultural pride, unity, and grassroots development.

Honouring Football’s Finest

The highlight of the week will be the prestigious Player Awards Gala, where the club will honour outstanding contributions on and off the pitch.

Five key accolades will be presented: Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Fan of the Season, and Branch of the Season.

Last year’s edition saw forward Victor Omune shine, sweeping major awards, while Kaycie Odhiambo became a fan favourite. The Executive Branch received accolades for their exemplary fan engagement, setting the bar high for this year's contenders.

Organisers have assured fans of an even grander event in 2025, with additions aimed at deepening community participation and celebrating the club’s nationwide reach.

A Week of Culture, Youth, and Community

Activities throughout the week will span multiple venues across Bungoma County, headlined by the iconic Masinde Muliro Stadium.

The schedule includes an inter-county youth football tournament designed to spotlight emerging talent, providing a dream platform for youngsters aspiring to don the famous blue and white stripes of Ingwe.

A bustling cultural food court will showcase Kenyan culinary traditions, while music, dance, storytelling, and traditional arts will offer fans and visitors a taste of the country’s ethnic richness.

Community-focused activities will also take centre stage, with tree planting exercises and Mashinani outreach initiatives planned to empower and engage locals beyond the pitch.

The event will culminate in the Gala Night — a glittering evening of celebration, where legends will be honoured and rising stars recognised.

“Ingwe is not just a club — it is a cultural movement,” Musonye emphasised.

“From Kakamega to Kisumu, Kwale to Mandera, AFC Leopards is woven into the fabric of our communities.”

The club calls on fans both within Kenya and in the diaspora to converge in Bungoma, the stage is set for a truly unforgettable celebration of identity, passion, and football excellence.

AFC Leopards' blend of sport and heritage looks poised to not only crown the season’s best, but to also reinforce the club’s place at the heart of Kenyan society — where football meets culture, and where unity finds a home in blue and white.