FKF elections fallout: Luanda Villa return funds donated by Homeboyz boss Shimanyula after failing to vote him

National Super League outfit Luanda Villa have refunded Ksh. 50,000 to former Football Kenya Federation presidential aspirant Cleophas “Toto” Shimanyula after the Kakamega Homeboyz chairperson failed to clinch the seat.

Toto had come in handy to help cover Luanda Villa’s travel expenses to Mombasa for their match against SS Assad, a week before the elections.

However, Citizen Digital understands that despite this favour, Luanda Villa failed to vote for Shimanyula in the FKF Presidential Election where he polled a measly four votes in the first round of voting. Hussein Mohammed subsequently won the race after poling 67 votes in the second round of voting.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Luanda Villa Chairma Moses Abwenje confirmed that Shimanyula asked to be reimbursed his money after the club took a different stand in the elections.

“Shimanyula called me and requested me and other western delegates to support his bid for FKF presidency but I personally saw it wise to support Hussein because I saw a person who had vision for revolutionising Kenyan football.”

According to Abwenje, Shimanyula had previously supported the club with Ksh. 40,000 and a ball before giving the western delegates Ksh. 50, 000 each. He later gave Luanda Villa another Ksh. 50,000 to cover their travel expenses from Mombasa after MacDonald Mariga had supported them with a similar amount to travel to the coastal side.

“After elections Toto called the western delegates and told us we had let him down. He then told us to return the money, we saw no harm in giving back his funds because he had helped us and we thank him for that,” Abwenje claimed.

However, when reached for comment, Shimanyula declined to explain in detail.

“If I was interested in the money Abwenje could have returned the whole amount I gave them,” said Shimanyula before hanging up on us.

The Luanda-based side has been crippled by financial challenges in recent times but received a timely boost on Thursday after a gaming firm committed to sponsoring the club with three million shillings over the next 10 months.

Luanda Villa currently sit fourth on the log on 19 points after 12 matches and are eyeing a Premier League promotion this season.