From left- AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda, Chief Inspector Wilson Mwangi, Chief Inspector Kennedy Ong'ombe and Sam Ochola Secretary General Gor Mahia FC during FkF Premier League pre-match briefing at Kasarani stadium on Friday, Feb 5, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia Club Secretary General Sam Ochola on Monday distanced himself and the club from being associated with Freemason after the club chairman Ambrose Rachier confirmed he is a member.

In a TV interview aired on NTV Sunday, October 2, Rachier boldly disclosed that he has been a member of the brotherhood since 1994 after he was introduced to Freemasonry by his close friends.

Despite saying that the secret society is not based on any particular religion, Gor management has come out strongly to distance itself from the controversial claims made by their chairman.

"As Gor Mahia Secretary General and on behalf of the Executive Committee, I watched with interest our Chairman's interview with Freemasons," said a statement to the press by Club Secretary General Sam Ochola.

"The EC members, players, employees and Gor Mahia want to assure our fans that we are not part of Freemason society and that our Chairman's affiliation to that society is a personal journey as attested in the media."

"The EC kindly request all fans of the club to stay calm as we mitigate the way forward."

Chairman Gor Mahia FC Ambrose Rachier during the Bet High Kenya official launch of global Online Sports betting brand, Betsafe and new innovative SMS product in Nairobi, Kenya. Dec 2, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Ochola's statement comes hours after Lawyer Otiende Amollo reacted to Ambrose Rachier interview, saying he is not a Freemason

Through his official Twitter handle, Amollo said he is not a Freemasonry and will not be joining the movement anytime soon.

"Interesting times! have seen an interview by my law firm partner Ambrose Rachier on Freemasonry! I am not and will never join Freemasonry! Let it be known that the law firm of Rachier & Amollo LLP is NOT associated with the movement!" Amollo tweeted.

During the interview Rachier said that he was introduced to Freemasonry in 1994 by his close friends.

"I think it is all about ignorance. If you get to the masonic hall, the first thing you get is a citation of King Solomon to God. I think most are talking from a point of view of Christianity, yet masonry is not based on any particular religion. We have Muslims in freemasonry, Christians, Buddhists and a few atheists, so there is no reference whatsoever to issues of devil worship," Rachier stated.

www. brittanica.com defines Freemasonry as "The teachings and practices of the fraternal (men-only) order of Free and Accepted Masons, the largest worldwide secret society-an oath-bound society, often devoted to fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance, that conceals at least some of its rituals, customs, or activities from the public (secret societies do not necessarily conceal their membership or existence)."

Rachier is also the chairman of Gor Mahia football club.

Ambrose Rachier is the founder and Senior Partner of Rachier & Amollo Advocates.