The 2022–2023 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League was won by Gor Mahia Football Club on Sunday, June 25, and Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio, presented the team with a Ksh1.5 million gift.
The communications director for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Philip Etale, revealed that Raila, who was present at the game at Moi Stadium in Kasarani, presented the squad with a trophy for their outstanding performance in the 20th Kenyan Premier League championship.
Gor Mahia supporters were happy to get the gift and called out FKF and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba for not honoring the team.
Some supporters felt that it was unjust for the federation to award the team medals and a cup without providing any financing despite the fact that Namwamba’s Sports Ministry had pledged to advance sports in the nation.
The award ceremony was badly staged, and many spectators at the game felt that the team deserved better.
“Gor Mahia FC Patron Hon. Raila Odinga, my party’s leader, presented the club with Ksh1.5 million for winning their 20th league title.
“Unfortunately, due to the lack of a title sponsor, the 2022–2023 league winners did not receive any prize money from FKF Premier organisers,” former Treasurer at Gor Mahia Sally Bolo lamented.
Gor Mahia team was, however, excited about their win and broke into song and dance. Their Head Coach Jonathan McKinstry dedicated the win to their fans and everyone who stood by them.
“We seemed unsure about our chances only a week ago. I am certainly excited and I believe it is a feeling shared by all of our players, technical bench members, management, and fans.
“We dedicate this historic victory to our devoted fans who supported the team throughout the difficult journey. After going through a period of uncertainty, they deserve to be happy,” McKinstry told fans after the game.
Gor Mahia won the game after scoring 4-1 in the season’s finale match against the Nairobi City Stars.
The win saw Gor attain 70 points, one point ahead of Tusker FC, automatically qualifying them to play in the CAF champions league.
