A fierce war of words has erupted between former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda and his successor Boniface Ambani over the club’s financial situation. The confrontation, which has spilled into the public domain, exposes deep-seated tensions within one of Kenya’s oldest football institutions.
Ambani accused the previous leadership of leaving the club in serious financial and legal trouble, claiming there was “systemic looting” involving gate collections, questionable deals, and unpaid bills. He alleged that the new management inherited frozen bank accounts, multiple lawsuits, and debts that nearly led to the auctioning of club assets. According to Ambani, his administration found a hollowed-out organization burdened by mismanagement, neglect, and unpaid obligations to players and service providers.
In a strong rebuttal, Shikanda dismissed the accusations as baseless and challenged Ambani to provide evidence. He insisted that all financial dealings during his tenure were transparent and that no players’ salaries, allowances, or sign-on fees were misappropriated. Shikanda acknowledged existing court cases but said most of them predated his time in office, some dating back to 2013 and 2014. He maintained that his administration had professionally resolved more than 15 cases and conducted a proper handover that included full financial documentation.
Shikanda further criticized Ambani’s leadership approach, accusing him of seeking sympathy rather than offering solutions. He questioned Ambani’s credibility, pointing out that his own brother had served in the club’s technical bench, suggesting that accountability should begin within Ambani’s circle.
Ambani, however, remained defiant, vowing to restore the club’s integrity and financial health. He alleged that previous officials handled gate collections through personal M-Pesa accounts and ignored the women’s and junior teams. Ambani assured fans that his administration was already working to stabilize operations, clear debts, and rebuild the club’s image.
The public feud highlights AFC Leopards’ long-standing governance issues, with internal wrangles and financial mismanagement often overshadowing performance on the pitch. Observers argue that only a transparent financial audit can settle the dispute and restore trust among fans, sponsors, and stakeholders.
As both Shikanda and Ambani continue to trade accusations, the club’s supporters watch anxiously, hoping that the leadership can shift focus from personal battles to rebuilding the pride and legacy of AFC Leopards.
