Football Kenya Federation (FKF )presidential aspirant and chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz, Cleophas Shimanyula has made a bold pledge to address match fixing in Kenyan football.
Shimanyula who is contesting in the December 7 election together with vice chairman of Bandari FC, Twaha Mbarak has vowed to crackdown on the menace if elected.
Speaking at the inaugural FKF presidential debate held at the Edge Convention Center on Monday, Shimanyula expressed his commitment to eliminating the vice that he believes is eroding the integrity of the sport in Kenya.
The Homeboyz chairman defended his track record and vowed to intensify efforts to protect the sport.
Since June 2021, Engin Firat’s tenure with Harambee Stars has seen ups and downs, balancing progress and challenges, leaving fans wondering if Kenya’s potential is truly unlocked.
“I’ve been a whistleblower for match fixing in Kenya and nabbed all those who were involved,” he asserted via KTN News.
“The federation can testify to the evidence I presented as a whistleblower. If I’m elected, I will ensure there are measures in place that nab all those who engage in match fixing and make sure we have laws from parliament to punish them accordingly, with life imprisonment, because that is what is ruining our beautiful game.”
His stance on match fixing has resonated with many stakeholders in Kenyan football who feel that strict punitive measures are necessary to curb the growing issue
Shimanyula has called for a legislative approach, advocating for laws that would impose life imprisonment on individuals found guilty of match fixing, a move he believes would deter future offenses and restore confidence in the sport.
The FKF presidential race has drawn several high-profile candidates, with current president Nick Mwendwa running for re-election as running mate to aspirant Doris Petra
The move is anticipation for the county elections on November 9, building up to the national polls on December 7.
Other prominent contenders include former Gor Mahia player and Kenyan international Sammy «Kempes» Owino, former FKF CEO Barry Otieno, and Hussein Mohammed, CEO of Extreme Sports
Additional candidates include sports administrator Tom Alila, FKF National Executive Committee member Chris Amimo, and Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla