Many people never gave AFC Leopards Dan Shikanda a chance to clinch the National Executive Committee (NEC) member for Nairobi Region given his late entry into the contest and how he has fared at club level.The never-ending management issues from the den were thought to be a huge stumbling block in Shikanda’s bid to win the seat but he defied all the odds to make it.His late entry into the race, having formally thrown his hat into the ring in October, was also deemed as a factor that would work against his candidacy.He, however, secured 25 votes to elbow out long-serving administrator Michael Ouma, who came in second with 23 votes, with Isaac Macharia finishing third with 22 votes.##NAJAVA_MECA_8556165##Shikanda attributed his win to turning a deaf ear to the mockery and ridicule from his doubters and courting delegates from all camps. “The strategy have been talking to all delegates from all camps. Remember, I was not affiliated to any camp. I was in an intricate position as I was both a voter and an aspirant. It was tough as each presidential candidate had candidates but I was focused despite people making funny conclusions,” he opened up.New FKF boss warned against pettiness and dismissing dissenting voicesThe former player admitted that his experience in matters elections played a significant role in his victory despite considered a dark horse in the race. Before being elected Ingwe chairman and successfully defending his seat in 2022, Shikanda had tried his hand at Nairobi County’s politics as he was Peter Kenneth’s running mate in the 2017 election.Football is in right hands, declares Hussein Mohammed after wining FKF presidencyThe duo, however, lost the exercise to Mike Sonko, who had Polycarp Igathe as his running mate. ” My people skills played a big role.Having been in elective positions for quite for some time gave me an edge,” he conceded.Despite winning, the former Kenyan international admitted that it was not easy given that the two big camps had their own candidates in the region.
