A former presidential candidate for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has requested a refund of Ksh 50,000 contributed to Luanda Villa Soccer Club following his loss in the recent election.
In a statement on Thursday, December 12, National Super League side Luanda Villa Soccer Club confirmed that they had returned the money to Cleophas Shimanyula, also known as Toto, the chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz FC, in accordance with his request.
The club’s CEO Steve Munala emphasized that transparency and accountability are at the heart of Luanda Villa Soccer Club.
“This is to officially confirm that Luanda Villa Soccer Club has refunded Ksh50,000 to Cleophas Shimanyula as per his request,” read the statement in part.
Munala stated that while the funds were initially meant to support the team’s recent travel to Mombasa for the match against SS Assad, recent developments necessitated the reimbursement.
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“The amount was initially sent by Shimanyula to assist the team in travelling to Mombasa for our scheduled match,” Munala said.
“However, following the recent FKF elections and subsequent developments, Shimanyula requested that the funds be reimbursed.”
The club shared the refund details, stating that Ksh 50,000.00 was refunded to Cleophas Shimanyula on 10/12/2024 at 12:10 PM while attaching the transaction ID.
“We consider this matter resolved and have updated our financial records accordingly,” the CEO said.
Additionally, the club mentioned that they appreciate the goodwill extended to them and remain committed to maintaining positive relationships with all their stakeholders.
“Together, we continue to build a stronger foundation for the future of football,” the statement read further.
“Luanda Villa Soccer Club appreciates the initial support extended by Shimanyula and acknowledges his request for a refund. The club remains committed to fostering positive relationships with all its stakeholders.”
According to Citizen Digital, Luanda Villa Chairman Moses Abwenje confirmed that Shimanyula asked to be reimbursed his money after the club took a different stand in the elections.
“Shimanyula called me and requested me and other western delegates to support his bid for FKF presidency, but I personally saw it wise to support Hussein because I saw a person who had vision for revolutionising Kenyan football,” Abwenje claimed.
“After elections Toto called the western delegates and told us we had let him down. He then told us to return the money, we saw no harm in giving back his funds because he had helped us and we thank him for that.
The FKF elections conducted on Saturday 7 saw Shimanyula garnering four votes out of the 90 votes.
Shimanyula was to be deputized by Bandari FC vice chairman Twaha Mbarak.
Hussein Mohammed was elected after securing 42 out of 90 votes but fell short of the minimum 50% required to win in the first round.
Following the announcement of the results, Hussein’s rival, Petra Dorris, conceded defeat and extended her congratulations to him.
