Isaac Munene, a businessman and farmer from Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Trans Nzoia FKF Branch, defeating the incumbent Francis Mayakula in a closely contested election
Munene garnered 14 votes, narrowly defeating Mayakula, who received 11 votes. The election, held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Kitale Showground Pavilion, was not without drama and controversy, with allegations of election interference, violence, and intimidation marring the otherwise high-stakes contest.
The election results saw several changes in the leadership of the FKF Trans Nzoia branch. John Mwangale was elected the new Secretary after an impressive victory over his opponents Benard Korir and Watako Abrosoni.
Mwangale secured 13 votes, with Korir receiving 3 votes and Abrosoni just 1 vote.
In the race for the Women’s Representative position, Everlyn Masinde emerged victorious, defeating incumbent Jane Khaendi by a narrow margin of 13 votes to 12. Meanwhile, William Okoth was elected the new Youth Leader, and Isaac Machila was chosen as the branch’s new Treasurer.
The elections, however, were overshadowed by an incident involving Kizito Makhamu, a tutor at Kitale National Polytechnic, who was barred by a group of students from participating in the voting process.
The students accused Makhamu of supporting Mayakula’s bid for chairmanship, a candidate they were opposed to.
The confrontation escalated when Makhamu, determined to cast his vote, attempted to enter the polling venue. A group of angry students physically blocked him and loudly protested his involvement.
The situation grew increasingly heated, prompting the intervention of armed security officers. They were forced to escort Makhamu out of the venue as students jeered and shouted insults at him.
“He is not above the principal who listens to us, why should he be allowed to vote?” the students shouted.
This act of defiance highlighted the level of involvement students had in the election, with their actions causing disruptions and tensions throughout the event.
In a bizarre twist to the day’s events, John Wanyama, a delegate, claimed he was abducted and robbed on his way to the polling station.
Wanyama recounted that he was attacked by a group of about ten men, who dragged him into a nearby forest and robbed him of KSh 5,000 and his identification card.
“I was heading towards the venue when a group of men confronted me, grabbed me, and took me into the forest.
They stole my cash and ID before letting me go,” Wanyama recounted. The delegate quickly reported the incident to Kitale Police Station, where he was issued an abstract (a temporary document) that would allow him to vote.
However, he was still turned away by election officials, who refused him entry without his original ID card.
“I feel disappointed and ashamed that after being robbed, I was not allowed to vote. It’s a disgrace,” Wanyama lamented.
The robbery, which occurred just before the election, cast a shadow over the entire process and raised questions about the safety and integrity of the election environment.
As the day wore on, the outgoing chairman Francis Mayakula, who had been vying for re-election, became the last delegate to cast his vote.
The significance of his final vote was not lost on observers, as it symbolized the end of his tenure and the beginning of a new chapter for FKF Trans Nzoia.
The election was marked by tight security, with local fans and students pushing for quick results.
The atmosphere was tense, with some supporters of the candidates vocal in demanding immediate announcements.
Several reports indicated that tempers flared as the counting process dragged on, with heated debates about fairness and election procedures.
Despite the violence and allegations of misconduct, Collin Watiti, the election’s returning officer, oversaw the counting and tallying of votes.
He had to contend with growing tensions from all sides, as the election had become a flashpoint for rival factions within the FKF Trans Nzoia branch.
The contentious nature of the election reflected deeper divisions within the branch, with accusations of unfair practices and political interference from various groups.
While the results have now been finalized, the challenges and controversies surrounding this election point to the fierce competition and personal rivalries that often characterize football governance in Kenya.
With Isaac Munene now at the helm of the FKF Trans Nzoia Branch, the challenges ahead are substantial.
Munene, a businessman and farmer, will need to unify the divided factions within the branch, restore confidence in the electoral process, and address the concerns raised during the elections.
Moreover, the new leadership will need to work towards improving the local football scene, fostering talent, and strengthening the branch’s relationships with both players and fans.
Munene’s success will largely depend on his ability to navigate the complexities of local football politics and rebuild trust among stakeholders.
The transitional period following the election will be crucial for the FKF Trans Nzoia branch, as it seeks to move beyond the controversies of the election day and focus on the development of football in the region.
Only time will tell whether the new leadership can deliver on its promises and bring a sense of stability to a branch that has, until now, been mired in political battles and disputes.
