Registrar Postpones AFC Leopards Elections to 2026

AFC Leopards will not be heading to the ballot this June as expected. In a move that has taken many by surprise, the Sports Registrar has directed that the football club’s elections be postponed to 2026, effectively halting the process that was underway.

The announcement, delivered through an official letter dated May 26, clarified that the club must stick to the full duration of the leadership term, which began in 2022. Under current legislation governing sports organizations in Kenya, elected officials are to serve a four-year term, with elections held no earlier than that period unless otherwise mandated by the constitution.

This development means that the club’s current chairman, Dan Shikanda, and the executive team will remain in office until June 2026. The decision has sparked discussions across football circles, especially considering Shikanda’s new responsibilities at the national level as a member of the Football Kenya Federation’s executive body.

The Registrar emphasized that the club must uphold its constitutional framework and the national sports laws, both of which dictate that leadership transitions should follow a four-year cycle. While there had been growing anticipation for a change at the helm, the Registrar’s communication brings those plans to a standstill.

Beyond the delay in the elections, AFC Leopards has been undergoing internal reforms aimed at restructuring the club’s governance. A recent Annual General Meeting highlighted proposals to move from a member-run model to a more corporate structure, a move aimed at addressing ongoing financial instability and operational inefficiencies.

Fan reactions have been mixed. Some supporters see the postponement as a necessary step toward stability and adherence to proper procedure. Others, however, feel it delays the opportunity for a fresh start, especially at a time when the club is facing both administrative and on-field challenges.

Despite the pause in the election cycle, the club had already laid the groundwork for stringent electoral standards. Prospective candidates were required to present tax compliance certificates, demonstrate long-term membership, and satisfy several integrity checks. These efforts were intended to ensure that only well-qualified individuals could vie for office.

With the leadership now set to continue until 2026, attention turns to how the current administration will steer the club during this extended period. Focus is likely to remain on the proposed structural reforms and how they will shape the club’s long-term sustainability.

For now, AFC Leopards’ fans known for their passion and loyalty must wait a little longer before casting their votes. Whether this pause proves to be a period of consolidation or missed opportunity remains to be seen.