BONFACE AMBANI UNVEILS MANIFESTO AS HE EYES AFC LEOPARDS CHAIRMANSHIP AHEAD OF CLUB ELECTIONS.

BY NJOKI KARANJA. 

Former AFC Leopards striker and Kenyan international Bonface Ambani has officially launched his bid to become the club’s next chairman, unveiling a bold, reform-driven manifesto under the campaign slogan #IPOSIKU—a Swahili phrase meaning “The Time Is Now.” The launch, held on Thursday, June 26, comes just three days before the club’s much-anticipated elections slated for Sunday, June 29, where Ambani will face off against former club Commercial Director Enos Mutoka in a race that has energized the fan base.

Boniface Ambani. 

In his address, Ambani acknowledged the decline in the club’s reputation over the past two decades and expressed a deep commitment to restoring its glory. “AFC Leopards has a rich history, but we cannot ignore the challenges that have led to a decline in confidence from the football family and the general public,” he said. “Our ‘IPOSIKU’ mantra is about bringing back life to the game, ensuring it’s rid of any delinquency, and fostering increased stakeholder participation.” His manifesto outlines a comprehensive strategy to rebrand and remodel the club, improve infrastructure, strengthen stakeholder relations, and enforce transparent and prudent financial management.

At the core of his campaign is an 11-point action plan dubbed the “STARTING XI,” representing key reforms modeled after a football team’s structure to symbolize strategy, teamwork, and readiness. The plan includes establishing a transparent governance system aligned with FKF, CAF, and FIFA standards; building proper training facilities; professionalizing the club’s operations; launching structured youth development programs; and elevating women’s football by increasing resources and support. Other priorities include setting up a dedicated medical fund for player welfare, forming new administrative departments like legal, marketing, and monitoring and evaluation, and diversifying income through merchandise, sponsorships, and ticket sales. Ambani revealed that talks for a kit sponsorship deal are already at an advanced stage.

He also emphasized the need for constitutional reforms to ensure clearer governance structures and inclusion of independent voices in club committees. "We intend to restore confidence in the governance of football in our club for the good of our game and our country," he affirmed. The launch was attended by key figures from the current AFC Leopards leadership, including outgoing treasurer Oliver Napali, acting Secretary General Caroline Walusaga, and National Executive Committee member Diana Obayi, suggesting institutional backing for his candidacy.

As AFC Leopards prepares to elect a new leadership to succeed the Dan Shikanda-led team, Ambani’s detailed, inclusive, and accountability-focused platform has positioned him as a frontrunner in a race that could mark a turning point for one of Kenya’s most storied football clubs. Whether his #IPOSIKU message will sway the electorate remains to be seen, but his call for transformation has certainly struck a chord with many within the Leopards fraternity.