Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Kakamega County counterpart Ferdinand Barasa have contested the government’s plans to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Nairobi and Eldoret.
In a joint statement seen by the Kenya Times, the two governors expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, affirming that Kisumu County and Kakamega should have been considered.
The governors argued that Kisumu and Kakamega counties are known to have a high affinity for football historically and as such the host cities are bound to disappoint.
According to them, the success in hosting the tournament will be dependent on the turnout of football fans which would have been in high in Kisumu and Kakamega.
“This is in our view a tragic decision,” the statement read in part.
“Western Kenya should have been included with either matches held in Kisumu or Kakamega.”
Further, the two governors asserted that Eldoret Town is known for its craze for athletics and hence did not understand the criteria used in settling for the city as a host.
They criticized the judgment on the part of the state, arguing that the previously made “shareholders” stance was used to lock out the Western region from an opportunity to host the tournament.
“The decision by the UDA government maybe denying the Western region the opportunity to host the games because we are not shareholders,” the governors stated.
Governors compare Tanzania, Uganda AFCON plans
The two governors went to on to explain how Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya’s partners in the bid, distributed the host cities evenly.
Also Read: Kenya Wins Bid to Host 2027 AFCON
As per the statement, Uganda selected three cities namely Kampala, Lira, and Hoima as their host cities.
Similarly, Tanzania has earmarked the cities of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Arusha, three cities in different parts of the neighboring nation.
“Why can’t we do the same in Kenya,” the governors posed.
They, however, stated that there was still time to revisit the decision noting that the “people of Western Kenya are waiting”.
Kenya’s AFCON Plans
The news about the success of the East Africa Community joint bid to host AFCON in 2027 sent Kenya to a frenzy last week.
After years of waiting, Kenyans had in their sight an opportunity that brings African nations together for the tournament.
Also Read: Blunders That Cost Kenya AFCON 1996 Hosting Rights After Winning Bid
As per earlier revealed plans, Kenya presented Nairobi and Eldoret as the proposed host cities citing logistic requirements.
Consequently, works to upgrade the Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi and Eldoret’s Kipchoge Keino Stadium are underway to meet the set deadlines.
