The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Raila and President Kenyatta promise Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards Sh24 million

Football

By Odero Charles | May 09, 2022

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga meet AFC Leopards Dan Shikanda (right) and Ambrose Rachier (left) of Gor Mahia during FKF Premier league match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards at Kasarani Stadium. May 8, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have benefited immensely from President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s attendance of the Mashemeji Derby clash on Sunday after it merged that the two clubs will receive Sh24 million.

Raila announced on Sunday evening while addressing thousands of ecstatic K’Ogalo and Ingwe fans outside the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani that President Kenyatta gave out Sh12 million to each of the two clubs to cater for their expenses in the remaining five matches.

President Kenyatta and Raila had led other leaders in watching the Mashemeji Derby between the two archrivals that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Raila also said there are plans to hire well-qualified coaches who will be tasked with raising local football standards to international levels.

“We have agreed to bring professional coaches who can help nurture our talents here in Kenya so that we can produce good players like Victor Wanyama who played for Tottenham Hotspurs," said Odinga.

Keep Reading

"Today we have spoken to the President and he has donated to Gor and AFC Leopards each Sh2 million for the players. To the clubs, he has donated Sh10 million to each club to help them finish the league. However, in future our clubs have to engage in income generating activities.”

ODM Leader Raila Odinga addressing fans after watching FKF Premier league match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards at Kasarani Stadium. May 8, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

After the game, President Kenyatta engaged Shikanda and Rachier in a chat on the issues affecting the club for a while in the VIP section of the dias and even took photos with them.

FKF Premier League clubs have been struggling financially since the withdrawal of Betking as sponsors of the league last year in August.

Mathare United became the latest club to succumb to financial constraints after their recent admission of lack of funds to honor league matches.