When Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala initiated the Football Tournament, its future significance in Kenya’s political realm was far from evident.
Originally aimed at identifying and nurturing talents, the Cleo Malala Football Tournament unexpectedly became a catalyst for transformative political change in the country.
The backdrop of the 2022 general election witnessed an intense showdown between the then Deputy President William Ruto, leading the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga spearheading the Azimio Presidential campaign.
Two influential communities in Western Kenya, the Luos in Nyanza and the Luhyas in Western Kenya, held pivotal sway in the electoral outcome, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election.
Amidst this political fervor, Cleophas Malala remained undeterred in promoting his brainchild project, which swiftly gained prominence, becoming a widespread topic of conversation across the East African Region.
During this period, Malala was affiliated with Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC, a party later aligning with Kenya Kwanza. Notably, key leaders from the region were yet to make definitive decisions about their political allegiances.
However, an unexpected turn occurred during the Cleophas Malala Football tournament: Deputy President William Ruto’s attendance.
Analysts credit the Cleo Malala Super Cup for providing a platform that facilitated Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula and ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi to lean towards supporting Ruto.
The pivotal moment unfolded on December 31st, 2022, marking a watershed in Kenyan politics as William Ruto garnered significant support from Mudavadi and Wetang’ula’s strongholds, reshaping the political landscape.
As the Cleo Malala Super Cup Tournament continues, attention shifts to President Ruto’s anticipated acknowledgement and support for this impactful tournament that inadvertently influenced the trajectory of the presidential election.
The unexpected convergence of sports and politics through the Cleo Malala Super Cup Tournament stands as a testament to the unforeseen ways in which grassroots initiatives can significantly sway political alignments and outcomes, leaving an indelible mark on Kenya’s political history.
DP William Ruto lands in Mumias Complex from a successful rally in sirisia, Bungoma to grace Senator Cleophas Malala's soccer tournament. pic.twitter.com/HtEHARJEbI
— Henix Obuchunju (@Obuchunju) December 31, 2021
The success of this initiative saw President William Ruto nominate Cleophas Malala to the Cabinet as well as appointing him as the Secretary-General of the ruling party UDA.
This year’s tournament is already running with Mr. Malala having expanded it to Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Busia, Kakamega and Vihiga.
The winner will bag Ksh3,000,000.