President William Ruto on Sunday, May 14, made three key promises to Kenyans concerning football.
This was after Ruto and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga watched a football match at Nyayo Stadium between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
Addressing the players immediately after the Masemeji Derby, which ended 2-1 in favour of AFC Leopards, Ruto revealed his government’s plan on turning around football in the country.
“Thank you for a wonderful game. This is the best game I have ever seen in a very long time.
“We will change this game. I have already spoken with Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and we have agreed that we will make sure we will take Kenya back to the time when football was a success,” he promised.
The President further revealed that plans were in top gear to see Kenya host continental showpiece AFCON soon.
“We want to host the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) and on Wednesday, May 17, I will be at the forefront of presenting the bid,” he announced.
Lastly, Ruto revealed that he was working with Namwamba to make sure there was full attendance during football matches.
“We have a plan with Namwamba that will make sure every weekend the stadiums fill as Kenyans from all walks of life come to enjoy the game,” he stated his vision for the future of football in Kenya.
Ruto urged football fans not to engage in violence and chaotic activities when they attended the match.
This was the third time in two days that Ruto and Raila shared a podium and exchanged pleasantries.
The two met on Saturday, May 13, in Nyandarua during the burial of freedom fighter Mukami Kimathi and later shared a podium at Kasarani Stadium during the Kipkeino Classic.
It took seven years for Ingwe - as AFC Leopards are commonly known to dethrone Gor Mahia, Kenya's most decorated club, with their rivalry dating back to the 1960s.
