After six years at the helm, Dan Shikanda officially handed over the leadership mantle to one of his fierce critic in Boniface Ambani on Sunday. Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News Thousands of Ingwe faithful turned out to elect a new executive in an exercise staged at the Stadion Hotel in Kasarani. Armed with their national identification cards and braving the early morning chill, supporters began arriving at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from as early as 7:00 a.m.##NAJAVA_MECA_8997002##Long queues stretched visibly from the main road, with the order of events running smoothly and as planned. A total of 2,872 registered members, along with observers, journalists, and dignitaries, gathered for what many described as a ‘Damascus moment’ for AFC Leopards—a day of rebirth and redirection.Access to the voting venue at Hotel Stadion, within the stadium complex, was under tight security, with dozens of police officers deployed.Despite being accredited and a registered member myself, I had to make several attempts before finally gaining access, proof of how seriously the Leopards fraternity was taking the exercise.Entry was strictly managed.Gate 1 was used by voters, while Gate 2 was designated for members of the Fourth Estate and special guests.Once inside, voters were received by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials, guided by security personnel, and assigned to one of four polling stations inside the hotel’s Ballroom.The setup was smooth and efficient, with each member directed to a specific polling station. The process was quick and orderly.The Ballroom itself gave off an air of sacred civic duty—its silence punctuated only by the shuffle of feet and rustle of ballots.Boniface Ambani elected new AFC Leopards chairpersonCampaign materials were banned inside the voting area, and candidates’ agents were closely monitored.No loitering was permitted. Once voting was complete, voters were ushered out through Gate 2, ensuring a controlled and peaceful process.The voting system was impressively transparent.After identification at the polling station, voters received three ballot papers and proceeded to a private booth to make their choices.Ambani keen to succeed where Shikanda, other predecessors fell short after clinching top seatAt 11:00 a.m., candidate Enos Mutokah arrived quietly with his team, voted at Station 4, and left without addressing the media.Outgoing chairman Dan Shikanda arrived about 30 minutes later.After casting his vote, he took time to greet fans, walking along the queue and waving, as if making a symbolic final lap of honour.”Bye bye,” he said softly to cameras, before blending into the crowd. “I’m very happy with the six years I have served. I know I am leaving Ingwe in a better place.”Fifteen minutes later, Boniface Ambani, dressed in a sharp black suit, made his way into the voting arena, accompanied by his aides.The former striker took less than five minutes to vote, and even shared light moments with supporters before exiting.By noon, the venue was packed.Organisers opened additional doors to ease congestion.Dignitaries soon followed, including club patron Alex Muteshi and Member of Parliament (MPs)George Aladwa and Tim Wanyonyi, who also cast their votes.At 1:30 p.m., doors were officially closed and a calm tension descended as counting preparations began.All non-essential personnel were cleared from the hall.Malkia Strikers’ ace chasing success with Croatian side after landing 2-year contractThe vote-counting process was coordinated efficiently.Each polling station conducted its own tally before forwarding results to the chief returning officer.Sports Registrar Rose Wasike was present to oversee the election.##NAJAVA_MECA_8996820##Outside, the atmosphere was festive.Fans danced to traditional tunes, blew whistles, and waved vuvuzelas, awaiting the announcement with joy and nerves in equal measure.Inside, candidates sat quietly, heads bowed, listening intently as the numbers trickled in.After two hours of counting, the final announcement came: Ambani was declared the winner and new AFC Leopards chairman.The former striker received his certificate from the IEBC amid cheers.Ambani keen to succeed where Shikanda, other predecessors fell short after clinching top seatCelebrations quickly spilled out into the streets of Kasarani, as fans, supporters, and campaign teams marked the end of a historic election, one that will shape Ingwe’s next chapter.The next elections are scheduled to take place in 2029.
