Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka speaking during the AFC Leopards Gala Night in Kanduyi, Bungoma County on Saturday, July 26, 2025./HANDOUT
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called on leaders from the Western region to back their words with action and rally behind AFC Leopards, urging unified support to restore the club's former continental glory.
Speaking during the AFC Leopards Gala Night hosted at his Kanduyi backyard in Bungoma County on Saturday, July 26, Lusaka—an ardent Ingwe supporter and club patron—said it was time to move beyond rhetoric.
“AFC Leopards is the symbol of Western Kenya, and we must come together and revive the pride of Mulembe Nation. Ingwe is more than football—it’s our identity. Let’s move from talk to action,” Lusaka said.
He proposed a monthly contribution model involving regional leaders and professionals to support the club’s financial sustainability.
Lusaka also highlighted the importance of grassroots talent scouting and ongoing upgrades at Masinde Muliro Stadium as critical components in AFC Leopards’ revival.
The event attracted key Western leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, Members of Parliament from the region, and thousands of fans.
Also in attendance was fellow Ingwe patron Alex Muteshi, who previously served as treasurer in the taskforce that helped transition the club from a community model to a corporate structure.
The colourful gala, now in its second year, was organised by the U45 Unit Branch chaired by Olimpia Musonye.
“Western is the hub of football in the country, and we have to improve our grassroots scouting to ensure we get the best talents,” Lusaka added.
The evening climaxed with a packed Masinde Muliro Stadium celebrating Leopards’ 1-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar.
In a curtain-raiser match, Bukembe High School edged out Musimhu High School with a 1-0 win.
During the awards ceremony, Lewis Bandi emerged as the night’s biggest winner, scooping the Most Valuable Player of the Season and Best Defender titles.
He walked away with Sh100,000 and an additional Sh40,000 for his second award. Musa Oundo was named Best Midfielder, while Sichenje took home the Best Attacker award. Boniface Munyendo was voted Fans’ Player of the Year, and Randy Bakari won the Players’ Player of the Year award.
Ovella Ochieng’s strike earned him the Goal of the Season accolade, while the Embakasi South Branch was named Branch of the Year. Winners in each category received personal trophies and a cash prize of Sh40,000.
New AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani thanked the U45 Branch for organising the event and vowed to guide the club back to glory.
“The gala was a big success and a major boost to our players and fans, despite finishing sixth in the 2024/2025 season. We are on the right track and our target is to win the KPL title for the first time since 1998,” Ambani said.
