Sam Nyamweya drops out of FKF presidential race, backs 'Toto' Shimanyula

Sam Nyamweya has bowed out of the FKF presidential election race.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, Nyamweya who previously served as the FKF president before handing over the baton to Nick Mwendwa said that the decision had been made after ‘deep reflection and consultation’.

He said, “I hereby formally and voluntarily withdraw my candidature for the presidency of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections scheduled for 7th December 2024.

This decision has been made after deep reflection and consultation with my team, driven by a desire to prioritize unity and foster collective progress for football in Kenya.”

“As one of the most experienced football administrators in the country, I firmly believe that stepping down is a well-considered and informed decision that will help forge a united front to restore and grow the game we all love.

Therefore, my decision is based on the conviction that unity is paramount at this critical moment.”

He added that after careful consideration, he has resolved to throw his weight behind the candidature of Cleophas Shimanyula (Toto) and Twaha Mbarak.

“I have known TOTO for a long time, and I can confidently affirm that he possesses the skills, vision, and passion required to lead the Federation into its next phase.

In view of my meritorious service to football over the years, and upon their victory in the upcoming elections, the team has graciously offered to confer upon me the position of Honorary President of FKF.”

“In the meantime, I have also accepted the offer to serve as the Chief Advisor to their campaign as we work together to popularize their twin-ticket candidacy and build a formidable leadership team that will take Kenyan football to new heights.”

“In line with this commitment, I pledge to activate my networks and deploy all available resources to support their bid and ensure their success in the election.”

Nyamweya added that his decision is motivated ‘by my hope to inspire unity and create an environment where all stakeholders align toward a shared vision for the revitalization and growth of football in Kenya’.

His exit now narrows the list of candidates to eight with Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, Hussein Mohamed, ‘Toto ‘Shimanyula and Doris Petra, deputized by incumbent Nick Mwendwa, considered the strong candidates for the seat.

Nyamweya’s exit from the race however has not come as a surprise as his campaign secretariat, which was led by Revered Peter Karanja, had been hard pressed for cash.

In fact Nyamweya’s resignation was preceded by that of Karanja and Nyamweya’ running mate  Patriciah Muthei, who in a joint statement Saturday, were magnanimous to admit to the biting financial situation that dogged the secretariat, which in essence failed to pick off.

“After having assessed the situation and realized that there are not sufficient funds to run a credible and successful campaign ...we officially resigned from the campaign team for the candidacy of Sam Nyamweya for the FKF presidency,” the duo said.