AFC Leopards head to Bungoma for 2025 gala and culture fest

AFC Leopards Chairman U45 Unit Branch Olympia Musonye (red tie), patron Alex Muteshi and chairman Dan Shikanda address the media on June 23, 2025 at the Nairobi Club [Courtesy]

AFC Leopards are set to host the second edition of their much-anticipated Player Awards Gala and Cultural Week from July 21 to 26, 2025, in Bungoma County — a region rich in cultural heritage and football passion.

Unveiling the event during a colourful announcement, Olympia Musonye, Chairperson of the U45 Unit Branch, described the week-long celebration as more than just a football occasion.

“It will be a movement of culture, of pride, of unity, and of football excellence,” Musonye said, addressing fans, officials, and the press.

The event will honour excellence on and off the pitch, spotlighting five key awards: Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Fan of the Season, and Branch of the Season.

Last year’s inaugural edition saw forward Victor Omune dominate the awards while Kaycie Odhiambo captured the hearts of fans. The Executive Branch was also recognised for outstanding fan engagement. Building on that momentum, organisers promise an even grander affair this year.

Under the theme “Our Culture, Our Pride: Showcasing Kenya through Football and Cuisine,” the event aims to fuse the sport’s passionate following with Kenya’s diverse cultural identity.

“Ingwe is not just a club — it is a cultural movement,” Musonye stated. “From Kakamega to Kisumu, Kwale to Mandera, AFC Leopards is woven into the fabric of our communities.”

Set to take place at Masinde Muliro Stadium and across various venues in Bungoma, the week will feature a vibrant line-up of activities:

• An inter-county youth tournament, giving young talent a platform to shine and dream of wearing the famous blue and white jersey.
• A cultural food court, celebrating Kenya’s rich culinary traditions.
• Music, dance, storytelling, and traditional displays reflecting the country’s ethnic diversity.
• Community-focused events, including tree planting and Mashinani outreach programmes.
• The Gala Night, where legends will be honoured and new heroes crowned.

Musonye called on fans countrywide — and even in the diaspora — to travel to Bungoma for what she promised would be an unforgettable celebration.