Over the past three days, reports have surfaced online that Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, a presidential aspirant for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), met with his close competitor, Extreme Sports Chief Executive Hussein Mohammed, in Mombasa to negotiate a political deal aimed at ousting the current FKF president, Nick Mwendwa, ahead of the upcoming polls later this year.
Kempes was spotted alongside Mohammed during an FKF Premier League clash between Gor Mahia and Bandari. Also at the game was Bandari FC Vice Chairman Twaha Mbarak, Gor Mahia Secretary Sam Ocholla, and former FKF Vice Chairman Sammy Shollei.
However, reports of the two planning to closely work together have been maliciously spread.
Nevertheless, amidst the swirling rumors and speculation Kempes vehemently denied any plans of collaboration, dismissing such claims as baseless fabrications.
Kempes, currently overseeing a 32-acre football academy in Texas, USA, clarified that he had been invited to the game as part of the Twaha Invitation.
Initially unaware of Mohammed’s presence, he emphasized their encounter as nothing more than a coincidence.
“We were there for our campaign efforts, the Twaha Invitation, and to watch Gor Mahia and Bandari. We had no idea Hussein had also been invited. We are not interested in joining forces with anybody. Our goal is to win this election and build Kenyan football,” stated Kempes, whose legacy includes leading Gor Mahia to the final of the cup winner in 1979.
With his eyes firmly set on the FKF presidency, Owino, backed by prominent figures in the country, champions the cause of reviving Kenyan football’s former glory. His bid for the top FKF position is underpinned by his extensive experience as a player, coach, and administrator, positioning him as a formidable candidate to steer the sport towards a brighter future.
Reflecting on his journey while lauching his presidential bid, Owino expressed his profound affection for the game, acknowledging the transformative power it holds.
“I am a beneficiary of football…I have seen what it can do and the opportunities it offers. It is football that enabled me to travel worldwide so I know that it can change lives. My vision for the sport in this country is to make it an example of the possibilities in Kenya when everything is done right,” he remarked.
Core to his vision for Kenyan football include development of grassroots football, coaching education, youth development, infrastructure development, structuring and professionalisation of leagues as well as providing women footballers with equal opportunities to thrive.
