KAKAMEGA, Kenya—It is now emerging that Kenyan politicians are increasingly using football tournaments to connect with young people and gain political support.
Politicians frequently fund and plan these events, especially during election seasons, to increase their profile and attract younger voters.
The effectiveness and objectives of these programs are questioned, though, as they might prioritize political advantage over actual community development.
In response to this setback, football stakeholders have called on political leaders to focus more on developing sports infrastructure than only seasonal competitions.
How sports stakeholders want politicians to improve the activities
Led by former Kajiado FC head coach Mohammed Hamisi, they believe that inadequate athletic facilities are the primary obstacle to the nation’s sports development.
Rainbow FC’s current manager, Hamisi, has admitted that tournaments during the holiday season have helped identify up-and-coming talent. Still, he emphasises that more work needs to be done.
“During the Talanta Hela tournament, we saw about 80 talented athletes whose talents had not been discovered, and this has brought another dimension that these tournaments are significant. However, they must be organised with a plan to take those special talents to the next level.”
https://twitter.com/Waziri_Mvurya/status/1873230385514955177
Robert Machio, coach of the Bungoma Queens of the Kenyan Women’s Premier League, has emphasised the necessity for political leaders to transcend the seasonal competitions.
“Although I commend this approach, politicians should support the athletes’ activities by giving them money and equipment through rally academies. This will aid talent development; many athletes taught in these academies are succeeding, and it’s also a simple method of finding players for the national squad,” said Machio.
What should be done to improve the status of upcoming athletes
Jacktone Obure, CEO of Mathare United, questions why up-and-coming athletes who demonstrate their skills in political competitions receive little or no notice.
“What happens when these athletes succeed in these tournaments and amass enormous wealth? Is a team available to scout these players and assist in developing their skills? Seeking talent is about more than just financial rewards. The goal is to find them and begin honing their skills systematically,” Obure argues.
Their remarks come at a time when former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua said that football is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful tool for community building and social change.
“By bringing people together, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating opportunities for personal growth, football has the power to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for individuals,” said Gachagua when he joined the people of Kakamega County for the Cleo Malalah 6th Edition Supercup at Lions Stadium in Kakamega County.
Why Rigathi Gachagua feels sports have a lot of benefits
According to Gachagua, besides health benefits, sports and sporting activities bridge cultural and social divides, bring diverse communities together, create employment opportunities, and foster inclusivity and unity while celebrating our rich heritage as a people.
“Notably, football as a sport touches the happiness nerve,” said Gachagua while commending the organiser of the football annual tournament, former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malalah, for what he termed as his continuous effort and indefatigable spirit in organising such tournaments.
https://twitter.com/rigathi/status/1873355644658434368
Gachagua reiterated that the annual sporting events had ripple positive impacts on the wananchi in Western Kenya and beyond.
This year, Eshikufu FC from Mumias East won the 6th edition of the Cleo Malalah Super Cup by defeating Tigers FC of Bungoma with a score of 2-0.
https://twitter.com/Cleophasmalala/status/1873551082271727652
However, Malalah strongly disagreed with critics of such tournaments, saying that the Cleo Malalah Super Cup goes beyond football action.
“Emphasis is also put on ensuring that local traders get to cash in from the fans who turn up in their thousands,” said Malalah.
Malalah, the former United Democratic (UDA) secretary general, insists that his tournament is not political but is meant to nurture young talents.
“All the teams that registered for the 2024 tournament were given uniforms. I have invited scouts to identify talents. I assure you all that as the patron,” he explained.
How Cleophas Malalah has strongly defended his tournament
Malalah, who was ousted from his UDA position in August 2024 following the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) decisions, maintained that no one would push him to drop the tournament, which brought together 1,800 players from the counties of Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia.
Ahead of the 2027 General Election, Malalah appears to be making a political comeback.
Recently, Malalah has become a darling of Gachagua and a section of opposition leaders from the Western Kenya region after being spotted together at several public events.
Before inviting Gachagua to grace his football tournament, he visited the former second-in-command in his rural home.
“The better part of my afternoon was spent clothed in the ambient serenity of Mathira Constituency in a hearty chit-chat with the truthful man, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH. The gift of life and genuine friendship is worth thanking God for. Mbele kuzuri,” said Malalah.
Why Ayub Savula has gone for Rigathi Gachagua’s jugular
However, Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has warned Gachagua that the county will not support what he claims is his tribal and divisive stance of dividing Kenyans.
“His (Gachagua’s) entire language today was stinking of tribal bigotry and division. Gachagua must be arrested for preaching hate to Kenyans. Shame on you, Cleophas Malalah, for inviting him,” Savula posted on his official X account.
https://twitter.com/HonAyubSavula/status/1873448165577457936
Savula further claimed that it was unfortunate that Gachagua had decided to pick on political rejects of Western Kenya and come to Kakamega to insult President William Ruto and former prime minister Raila Odinga.
“We can’t and will never follow such leaders as Gachagua to redeem their political careers and use us for selfish political gain,” added Savula.
Meanwhile, it is unclear which seat Malalah will be vying for in the 2027 polls after losing the 2022 Kakamega gubernatorial seat to the current governor, Fernandes Barasa of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
