Cleophas Shimanyula Promises to Eliminate Match-Fixing in Kenyan Football

05.11.2024

Cleophas Shimanyula, a presidential candidate for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz, has pledged to eliminate match-fixing if elected in the upcoming December 7 election.

Shimanyula Announces Ruthless Fight Against Match-Fixing

Speaking at the FKF presidential debate at the Edge Convention Center on Monday Shimanyula said he will tackle match fixing which he believes is killing Kenyan football.

“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.”

Shimanyula wants life imprisonment for match fixers. He believes that is the only way to deter and restore confidence in the game. His call has been supported by many in the football fraternity who agree that tough punitive measures are the way to go to curb the growing match fixing problem.

Competitive Race

The FKF presidential race has several big names in the running. Incumbent Nick Mwendwa is running as running mate to Doris Petra. Other contenders are Twaha Mbarak vice chairman of Bandari FC, former Gor Mahia player and Kenyan international Sammy “Kempes” Owino, former FKF CEO Barry Otieno, Hussein Mohammed of Extreme Sports, Tom Alila a sports administrator, FKF National Executive Committee member Chris Amimo and Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla.

With the December 7 election on the horizon, candidates such as Shimanyula are sharing their plans for the future of Kenyan football. A key issue being addressed is the fight against match-fixing.