Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o wants the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Kisumu or Kakamega.
The government had earlier announced that the long-awaited matches would take place in Nairobi and Eldoret.
A decision Nyong’o and Kakamega Governor Ferdinand Baraza consider tragic.
Taking to his X account, the father to the Oscar-winning star issued a joint statement with Baraza depicting reasons that favor Western Kenya as a host of the AFCON matches.
”This is a joint statement By@H.E BarasaFernades and I concerning the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations in the three East African countries in 2027” he captioned.
The statement in question pointed out that the Western region is packed with football fans compared to Eldoret whose main fan base consisted of marathon lovers.
The two then proceeded to caution that residents in Eldoret would turn out to be a no-show which would result in the matches being played in an empty stadium.
They then gave examples of the neighbouring countries namely Uganda and Tanzania who have both picked 3 major cities to host the game challenging the Kenyan government to do the same.
”Western Kenya should have been included with either matches being held in Kisumu or Kakamega. The Western region of Kenya is where football fans exist in plenitude. Not in Uasin Gishu or Eldoret for that matter” read part of the statement.
WHERE SHOULD THE AFCON MATCHES BE HELD IN KENYA?
This is a joint statement by @County037 H.E @BarasaFernandes and me concerning the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations in the three East African countries in 2027.@StateHouseKenya@WilliamsRuto @moyasa_ke @AbabuNamwamba pic.twitter.com/1n12aT9k3V— Gov. Anyang’ Nyong’o (@AnyangNyongo) October 1, 2023
Loyal football and wannabe fans alike had a field day with the governor’s post as they took to the comment section to weigh in on the matter.
”Si mlisema hamtambui serikali ya Ruto. Mbona mnalia?”
”Kakamega County is the only county in Kenya with a well-recognized stadium that can host an event. Certified by C.A.F”
”Mshaanza kupigania ata before preparations. As locals, we will watch the drama from the sidelines, however, we remain uninterested in hosting AFCON at the locals” netizens commented.