AFC Leopards set stage for next month’s awards gala-cum-cultural week

AFC Leopards U46 Unit Branch chairman, Olympia Musonye, has announced an exciting and culturally rich Awards Gala and Cultural Week scheduled for July 21-26, in Bungoma.

The bonfire of cultural pride will celebrate football and the Luhya culture, inspiring the shared love of Kenya’s oldest top-flight club.

“It is my honour to stand before you today on behalf of the AFC Leopards U45 Unit Branch to unveil a celebration like no other officially - the second edition of the AFC Leopards Player Awards Gala and Cultural Week, set for the 21st to 26th July 2025, in the culturally rich county of Bungoma.

The theme for this year’s gala is “Our Culture, Our Pride: Showcasing Kenya through Football and Cuisine,” highlighting the club’s deep connection with various Kenyan communities.

“This year, we are turning that flame into a bonfire. One that will light up Masinde Muliro Stadium, the streets of Bungoma, and the hearts of every Ingwe fan across the nation,” Musonye said.

“We have chosen the theme 'Our Culture, Our Pride: Showcasing Kenya through Football and Cuisine' because Ingwe is not just a club, it is a cultural movement,” he added.

A cultural food court will allow communities to present their unique cuisines.

The gala will also feature a tree planting exercise, reinforcing the club’s commitment to giving back to nature and local communities.

“We will taste Kenya – literally – as communities come together to share their unique cuisines in our Cultural Food Court and celebrate through dance, through storytelling, through song and tradition,” said Musonye.

“Give back to nature and our communities through tree planting and Mashinani activities. From Kakamega to Kisumu, Kwale to Mandera, from Meru to Mumias - AFC Leopards are woven into the fabric of our communities. Our songs, our dances, our flavours and our languages reach every corner of this country.”

“And it is only fitting that we use this platform to honour both the game and the heritage that makes us who we are. The awards ceremony will honour past legends and celebrate emerging stars,” he added.

There will be an inter-county tournament, providing a platform for aspiring players to showcase their talent.

He encouraged fans to participate by bringing their culture and pride, turning the event into a vibrant celebration of community spirit.

The gala is being organised in collaboration with Big Brother Events and Ticketing, ensuring smooth ticketing for attendees.

Last year’s event saw Victor Omune win multiple awards, setting high expectations for the upcoming festivities.

Musonye invites fans from Kenya and beyond to join the celebrations, emphasising the importance of cultural heritage in the club’s identity.