Moses Akaranga (left) receiving Jubilee Alliance Party vice chairman, David Murathe’s contribution during the fundraiser June 23.
NAIROBI, June 23 – President Uhuru Kenyatta boosted cash-strapped AFC Leopards’ fundraiser by contributing Sh1m in Tuesday’s event that raised Sh5.5m to help the club get back on its feet.
Sh2, 868,600 of the money collected was cash, Sh1, 592,000 from cheque while Sh1, 045,000 came from pledges.
The head of State sent Jubilee Alliance Party vice chairman, David Murathe who contributed Sh300, 000.
Leopards, who is struggling financially since shirt sponsor, Mumias Sugar suspended disbursing the money, will appoint a care taker committee after Tuesday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) to run the club for three months until elections for new office bearers is done.
Speaking at the function, club patron and former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo who contributed Sh700,000 said the cash money collected will go towards the payment of players and technical bench on Wednesday.
“I believe this is the end of AFC Leopards financial crisis, we have decided to take charge, where we are putting a comprehensive plan and strategy to ensure the club is properly funded until the end of the season and onwards. We cannot be doing fundraisers now and then.
“During the AGM we will consult with branch chairmen and members on who is suitable to run the club because we want to bring everyone on board,” Jirongo a former long serving MP stated.
Chief Guest, Vihiga Governor, Moses Akaranga who donated Sh310,000 said the club need to put it house in order since sponsors are shying away due to bad governance.
“This is a team which requires people with goodwill to come and help us. We will be coming up with a plan where we will be approaching 200 people who can raise Sh100, 000 each which will total to Sh20m for the team.
“I also call upon the corporate world to come and sponsor our team, as leaders from Western we cannot sit and see the club being messed up. We will meet all Western leaders to search for a sponsor,” Akaranga noted.
Leopards who have a monthly wage bill of Sh4.2m failed to hit its Sh12m target which they intended to settle the four month salary and allowances arrears they owe the technical bench and the playing unit.
The playbill number, 196464 raised Sh70, 000 while among the notable who attended the gathering include, business man Amin Walji (Sh500, 000).
Musalia Mudavadi (50,000), Bomet Governor, Isaac Ruto (50,000), Cecafa Secretary General, Nicholas Musonye (Sh100, 000), Kakamega Governor, Wycliffe Oparanya (Sh100, 000), Football Kenya Federation president, Sam Nyamweya (Sh50, 000), Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero Sh100 000), sent their contributions.
