Published on December 12, 2024 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 2 years by Kariuki Mwangi
In an interesting turn of events, delegates who were bought to vote for candidates in the just concluded Football Kenya Federation elections have run into awkward situation after it emerged that they now have to refund money given to them by candidates in the run up to the high stakes elections which concluded last Saturday.
Luanda Villa Soccer Club is the first club that has found itself at the cross roads. The club today confirmed that it has refunded Sh50,000 to Cleophas Shimanyula, Chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz Football Club, following his failed bid for the FKF presidency.
In a statement, Luanda Villa CEO Steven Munala confirmed the refund, which was requested by Shimanyula, but camouflaged the money as an assistance that had been given to the club for travel purpose.
“The amount was initially sent by Shimanyula to assist the team in traveling to Mombasa for a scheduled match. However, following the FKF elections and subsequent developments, Shimanyula requested that the funds be reimbursed,” Munala said.
“Luanda Villa Soccer Club appreciates the initial support extended by Shimanyula and acknowledges his request for a refund,” he added.
A group identifying as Western Kenya Football fans has however called out Luanda Villa chairman Moses Abwenje demanding that he makes a full refund to Shimanyula for election betrayal and stop hiding his club’s letter that has been circulated on social media.
The group has alleged that Abwenje is among the Western Kenya delegates who betrayed Shimanyula- popularly known as Toto during FKF Presidential Elections. The group alleges that Abwenje received Ksh 300,000 from Shinanyula over the duration of the campaign and must therefore return the remaining Ksh 250, 000.
“We are well informed you received over 300,000 from Mr Cleophas Shimanyula during campaign period. The statement released has shown you have send back to Toto 50,000, now Mr Abwenje if you are honest,refund the Ksh 250,000 balance,” the western Kenya football fans said in a statement.
“We know you are doing so in the name of having a new sponsor for your team. Mr Cleophas Shimanyula has no problem with helping any. He has done so over long period of time So if you want dirty game, Let’s Go On!,” the group indicated.
The group noted that they will be recommending that Shimanyula takes legal action for obtaining money on false pretence so that he serves as an example to all other betrayers.
As this continues, there are reports that Geoffrey Mudembei has refunded over Ksh 450,000 he reportedly received while Dennis Simiyu as well has been made to eat humble pie and make refunds with only Busia and Vihiga county officials remaining to make their refunds.
In another twist, former Eastern NEC member Mirithi Nabea- a close ally of FKF president Hussein Muhammed has also claimed that Lotia must return their money for not delivering his vote.
