Former Harambee Stars striker Bernard “Emboko” Onyango has revealed what he believes to be the biggest challenge preventing AFC Leopards from reclaiming their former glory. According to Onyango, the club faces significant obstacles that need to be addressed to restore its winning legacy. His insights shed light on the issues holding back one of Kenya’s most historic football teams, emphasizing the need for strategic changes to revive their success.
He identified internal divisions as the biggest challenge hindering AFC Leopards from reclaiming their past glory. He explained that although AFC Leopards is a prestigious club with a rich history, the root of the problem lies within the Luhya community itself.
Onyango recalled that during his tenure as team manager, the club achieved notable league finishes—fifth place in his first season and second in his second season. However, he pointed out that progress was consistently undermined by divisions among the community’s 17 sub-tribes, grouped into four factions.
He described how when one faction gains leadership, the others unite to resist, leading to internal conflicts that lack patience and foster rivalry. He highlighted the various factions: the Busia people allied with Mumias, Butere, and Bunyore forming one bloc; the Bukusu who back their own when in charge; the Maragoli often supported by the Tiriki, who face opposition from other groups; and the Kakamega clan, who assert ownership of the team. This rivalry results in continuous cycles of opposition and retaliation.
Onyango revealed that these conflicts extend to attempts to influence team management decisions, including pressuring for staff dismissals. He shared personal experiences of receiving threats due to not belonging to a particular subgroup and having involvement from police authorities. He called for these internal disputes to end, emphasizing that AFC Leopards has the talent, history, and fan support necessary to win titles again, but unity is essential to achieve this goal.
This candid insight sheds important light on how deep-seated regional and community tensions are affecting the club’s performance and future.
