In a surprising turn of events, the Sports Registrar, Rose Wasike, has officially canceled the highly anticipated AFC Leopards elections, which were slated for June 29, 2025.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, has sent shockwaves through the club’s passionate fan base and sparked intense debate among stakeholders of one of Kenya’s most storied football clubs.
The elections have now been rescheduled for June 2026, aligning with the end of the current executive committee’s four-year term under Chairman Dan Shikanda.
Unexpectedly, the cancellation comes amid preparations for the elections, which were set to usher in a new chairperson following Shikanda’s election to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Executive Committee (NEC) as Nairobi’s representative in December 2024.
Shikanda’s new role created a conflict of interest, necessitating a leadership transition at AFC Leopards.
However, the Sports Registrar’s directive has halted the process, citing the club’s constitutional timeline, which mandates elections every four years.
With the current leadership’s term, elected in 2022, set to conclude in 2026, Rose Wasike advised that the polls be deferred to adhere to these regulations.
Sources close to the matter indicate that the decision aims to ensure procedural compliance and stability within the club.
“The Sports Registrar has officially canceled AFC Leopards’ elections that were scheduled for June 29,” stated a post by @TeyaKevin—a sentiment echoed by @Dollar__SM, who noted that the move aligns with the end of the current office bearers’ term.
AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s most successful football clubs with 12 Kenyan Premier League titles and a rich history dating back to its founding in 1964, has been navigating a complex period both on and off the pitch.
Additionally, the club’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), rescheduled to March 29, 2025, to accommodate the Mashemeji Derby, highlighted ongoing discussions about transitioning from a community-based to a corporate ownership model.
This strategic shift, detailed in a comprehensive report submitted by the club’s Corporate Task Force on March 3, 2025, aims to address financial struggles and governance issues that have plagued the club in recent years.
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The cancellation has elicited mixed reactions. Some fans and stakeholders view it as a prudent step to maintain order and adhere to the club’s constitution, while others express frustration over the delay in electing new leadership—especially given the club’s challenges, including its last Premier League title win in 1998.
“This is a setback for those hoping for fresh leadership to steer Ingwe forward,” said a fan at Nyayo National Stadium, where AFC Leopards plays most of its home games.
However, others support the decision, arguing that a rushed election could destabilize the club further.
Outgoing chairman Dan Shikanda, who has led AFC Leopards since June 2019, has emphasized the need for a smooth transition.
In a recent interview, he stated, “We’ve been through some challenging times. The next six months will be crucial for the club. We must ensure that the transition doesn’t destabilize the progress we’ve made.”
Nevertheless, the Election Management Group (EMG) had already outlined stringent requirements for candidates, including Kenya Revenue Authority clearance, Credit Bureau clearance, and proof of fully paid-up membership for at least three years.
Moreover, high-profile aspirants like Mombasa businessman Maurice Amahwa and former AFC Leopards player Boniface Ambani were recently barred from contesting due to non-compliance with these criteria, underscoring the club’s efforts to ensure credible leadership.
As AFC Leopards prepares for its next chapter, the focus now shifts to the current leadership’s ability to maintain stability and implement the proposed corporate model.
Lastly, fans known for their unwavering loyalty will be watching closely as the club navigates this unexpected delay in its democratic process. For now, the “Ingwe” faithful must wait until June 2026 to elect new leaders who will carry forward the legacy of one of Kenya’s football giants.
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