Football: Milemba knocked out as three cleared for AFC Leopards top seat

Kuppet chairman and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba. [David Njaaga, Standard]

Outgoing AFC Leopards caretaker committee Chairman Maurice Amahwa and former International striker Boniface Ambani are among top candidates who have been knocked out of the forthcoming club elections set for June 23 at the Kasarani Sports Gym.

Also knocked out due to failure to meet some specified requirement include Emuhaya legislator Omboko Milemba who had announced he will vie for the Chairman seat, Richard Ekhalie and club secretary General Oscar Igaida.

The chairman of the AFC Leopards Election Management Group (EMG) Geoffrey Serede disclosed that the five casualties among others did not comply with certain requirements that include providing KRA, CRB, HELB and certificate of good conduct among other details. Others he said, were not fully paid up members for the last three years.

‘You cannot just sneak in when elections have been announced and yet you are not a paid up member. You haven’t complied with the setup rules and requirements and expect to be cleared. We need clearance Certificates from KRA, HELB, CRB and be a fully paid up member for the last three years.” Observed Serede who was addressing the media and branch representatives at the clubs Mombasa road based secretariat.

EMG that comprise of Beron Aberi (Secretary) and Lawrence Weche as treasurer has endorsed Dan Shikanda Akala, Ronald Namai Mukuya and Ben Waliubah Musundi to vie for the position of club Chairman. Dan Mule who is the club Chairman has announced he will not defend his plum seat.

Other candidates who have been endorsed include Oliver Imbenzi Napali and Choge Maurice Chichi for the position of treasurer.

The position of Secretary General (SG) currently held by Oscar Igaida remains vacant. However, a candidate for the S.G position might be announced in the course of the week.

Over 20 out of 30 registered branches attended the Tuesday meeting. Coast branch Chairman Gilbert Andugu said they have confidence with EMG and assured club members of adequate security. He urged members to conduct peaceful campaigns adding that Independent Electoral Board (IEBC), will conduct the elections in partnership with Kenya National Sports Council (KNSC)  and the Registrar of  Sports.

Andugu, who was flanked by other branch representatives led by Eastlands Boss Francis Nyangweso and his Nzoia counterpart Tim Luvale Sindani, said they will abide by the clubs constitution.

Another stakeholders meeting is set for 21 June at Kasarani to finalise finer details about the election exercise that is set for 23rd at the same venue.