As the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential elections draw closer, aspirant Tom Alila has floated the idea of an alliance among candidates to consolidate votes and improve their chances of success.
The election, scheduled for December 7, has attracted multiple contenders, and Alila believes unity could be the key to winning.
Alila is calling on rivals such as Cleophas ‘Toto’ Shimanyula, the Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman; Sam Ochola, Gor Mahia Secretary; Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’, a former international; and Chris Amimo to consider forming a coalition rather than dividing their votes.
Speaking about his proposal, Alila emphasised the importance of regional cooperation among delegates from Nyanza, Western, and the Coast.
Alila, who was an FKF NEC Member representing the Nyanza region under the regime of Sam Nyamweya, has vowed to facilitate Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Shabana into embracing the corporate model.
“That’s why I’m saying we want to talk and agree on forming an alliance among ourselves,” Alila told . “We want to ensure that Nyanza, Western, and Coast speak in one tone and cast all their votes in one basket.
“Nyanza, where I come from, should guard its votes, just as our brothers in Western should. The Coast region should also do the same so that we may ensure we speak loudest come Election Day by fronting one candidate to be endorsed by the coalition team to secure victory at the helm of Kenyan football.”
Having served as the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) member for Nyanza, Alila brings experience to the race. However, he maintains that no single candidate currently stands out as the favorite to win.
“There is nobody who is an outright candidate to win this election. I have gone around the country to meet these delegates. I have traveled as far as Mombasa, and I can assure you that these votes are not, and can’t be, asked on the social media platform,” Alila stated.
The second presidential debate saw six candidates in attendance, with only two missing the forum.
Taking a swipe at those projecting confidence online, he added, “Those running around on social media saying they are favorites to win have no idea or know what the reality has for them on December 7.”
Alila’s alliance-building efforts could also bring former FKF president Sam Nyamweya into the fold. Nyamweya, who has endorsed Shimanyula’s candidacy, might align with the coalition if it materialises, adding political weight to the group’s bid for leadership.
Alila’s proposal for a united front reflects a shift in campaign strategy, emphasising collaboration over competition. Whether this alliance will materialise remains uncertain, but its potential to reshape the electoral dynamics cannot be ignored.
After a disappointing AFCON qualification campaign, a Harambee Stars legend criticized coach Engin Firat’s tactics calling for structural reforms and grassroots investment in Kenyan football.
With the clock ticking towards December 7, the FKF elections promise to be closely contested. As Alila and his counterparts deliberate on strategic partnerships, Kenyan football stakeholders will be watching closely to see who emerges as the leader to steer the sport into a new era.