This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
On June 5, 2020, Musalia Mudavadi, leader of the Amani National Congress party, made a significant donation to AFC Leopards, a Kenyan Premier League side, to help offset land rates and premiums on a 20-acre plot in Kasarani.
The plot, donated by former President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, has been a source of financial burden for the club. Mudavadi's donation of Ksh 633,000 will go directly towards clearing the accrued land rates and premiums.
Speaking on the occasion, Mudavadi emphasized the importance of sportsmen and women during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated, "COVID-19 has affected many people and sectors - sports has not been spared either and sportsmen are suffering since they are not doing what they normally do. We are happy with what the government is doing through the ministry of sports to cushion sportsmen and we are grateful."
He added, "However, we need these clubs to be self-sustaining in the near future and that is why I am donating Sh 633,000 to AFC Leopards and this goes directly to the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning to clear the accrued land rates and premiums to the land belonging to this great club. We want AFC Leopards to have a physical home and the sporting complex, once completed, will be a centre of pride for the club."
Webuye East Member of Parliament Alfred Sambu, a former Chairman of AFC Leopards, also expressed gratitude towards Mudavadi's gesture. He stated, "Running soccer in Kenya is not a walk in the park, it is a very expensive affair so when you have someone like Mudavadi supporting the club we should not take it for granted. We say thank you and the ground has now been set for us to come together and develop this particular property."
Current AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda thanked Mudavadi for the kind gesture and also presented the club's strategic plan to him. AFC Leopards captain Robinson Kamura also thanked Mudavadi, Sambu and the club's management for their continued support.
