'Innocent' Osano launches bid for FKF presidency
Freelance journalist Bonface Osano addresses the press during a function at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on August 18, 2020 where he officially declared interest in the Football Kenya Federation presidential seat.
What you need to know:
- The 34-year old Osano Tuesday officially announced his intent to unseat current FKF president Nick Mwendwa
- Osano joins other candidates including Mwendwa, Sam Nyamweya, Herbert Mwachiro, Nicholas Musonye, Twaha Mbarak, Lordvick Aduda, Steve Mburu and Dan Mule who have expressed interest in contesting for the presidency during the body's national elections on October 17
Freelance journalist Bonface Osano says he will instill professionalism in sports management in the country if elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president.
The 34-year-old Osano Tuesday officially announced his intent to unseat current FKF president Nick Mwendwa. He also unveiled former Harambee Stars midfielder Innocent Mutiso as his running mate.
"Mwendwa has done a commendable job in the past four years but I believe the time has come to bring significant and positive change in Kenyan football. And also to tell you that I am that change," explained Osano, who's also served as assistant secretary at now defunct Agro Chemicals.
Football, even though the most popular sport in the country, has struggled under negative publicity amid reports of poor player welfare, bickering among stakeholders, plus questions over the management of funds and resources.
Freelance journalist Bonface Osano (left) with his running mate former Harambee Stars midfielder Innocent Mutiso during a function at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on August 18, 2020 where he officially launched his candidacy for the Football Kenya Federation presidential seat.
"I had to stop playing when I suffered an injury and my club couldn't treat me. I will prioritize player welfare because footballers are the most popular stakeholders in the game, added Mutiso.
Mutiso turned out for Kenyan Premier League clubs Mathare United and Gor Mahia before hanging his boots in 2017.
Osano joins other candidates including Mwendwa, Sam Nyamweya, Herbert Mwachiro, Nicholas Musonye, Twaha Mbarak, Lordvick Aduda, Steve Mburu and Dan Mule who have expressed interest in contesting for the presidency during the body's national elections on October 17.
Nyamweya, Musonye, Mbarak, Aduda, and Mburu have since filed a case at the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) challenging the election rules and register but Mule has accused them of fearing the ballot.
"Those disputing the elections have not even made an attempt of getting nominated to contest but instead are complaining loudly even before the contest has began," said Mule, a former AFC Leopards chairman.
