The AFC Leopards chairmanship race has narrowed to a two-horse battle between Boniface Ambani and Enos Vincent Mutoka, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election slated for June 29 at MISC, Kasarani. With just days to go, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared 2,707 registered members to participate in the polls, scheduled between 8am and 1pm.
The contest tightened further following the withdrawal of former club CEO Ronald Namai, who threw his support behind Ambani. This move cleared the path for a head-to-head battle between Ambani, a former AFC Leopards striker, and Mutoka, the club’s former commercial director.
Ambani, remembered for helping the club win their last league title in 1998, is campaigning on a platform of revival and inclusivity. He has promised to restore the club’s former glory by improving the playing unit and focusing on players’ welfare. Ambani’s track record includes stints at Tusker FC, Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga), and a role as sporting director at Mara Sugar, where he played a key role in the club’s promotion to the FKF Premier League.
His manifesto emphasizes revenue generation through merchandising and strategic sponsorships, aiming to support club operations including match day logistics, training, and travel. He has also committed to prioritizing both the men’s and women’s teams equally.
On the other side, Mutoka’s campaign centres on youth development, disciplined administration, and strong community engagement. He seeks to foster a culture of sustainability through initiatives like player recognition awards, grassroots recruitment, and fan involvement. Mutoka aims to instill structural reforms and believes in building a club culture rooted in long-term planning and discipline.
Alongside the chairmanship race, the position of secretary-general has attracted three contenders: Robert Khamala Situma, Isaac Mulanda Mulindi, and Irene Sitawa Wekesa, also known as Renee. Each candidate is campaigning on distinct platforms. Mulindi is pushing for better communication and youth support, Situma is focused on realigning the club with its winning traditions, while Sitawa has promised financial integrity and stability.
For the treasurer’s position, three candidates Patrick Kanyangi, Edward Buhasho, and Newton Luchacha have been cleared. All have pledged to uphold transparency and accountability in the club’s financial affairs.
The campaign period, which began on June 10, is set to close on June 27. The IEBC will oversee the election in partnership with the club’s electoral management team. Candidates paid nomination fees of Sh400,000 for the chairmanship, while those vying for secretary-general and treasurer posts paid Sh300,000 each.
