Dream to build ultra modern stadium in Vihiga still on Ottichilo

A disagreement on where to build a state-of-the art stadium in Vihiga County has delayed the process for more than a year.

County Governor Wilberforce Ottichilo has however said that the dream is still alive and a public participation will be required now to put the issue to rest after initially allocating funds for the stadium to be built in Kidudu near the Vihiga police station but other residents opted for Chavakali town, which is more accessible to the public.

“In fact we had allocated funds for the construction of a stadium in Kidudu, but issues were raised opposing the move, hence the delay, many people want Chavakali, we still have the budget but we are waiting for the people of Vihiga to decide,” Ottichilo told Citizen Digital.

Lack of a sports facility certified by the Kenya Premier League have denied home fans a chance to watch area team Vihiga United in action, forcing them to play their home matches at the Mumias Sports Complex or the recently refurbished Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County, a move the fans claim has contributed to the team’s poor performance.

Currently, Vihiga lie at position 16 in the 18-team Kenyan Premier League table with a paltry27 points from six wins, their latest repertoire, a 1-0 away victory to Sofapaka at the Narok Stadium where Amos Kigadi scored the lone goal in the 11th minute.

“We very much want the stadium. I have written to the sports ministry to give us the required standards so that we can start the construction as soon as possible when we agree where to built,” the governor added.