Shabana FC leadership wrangles have taken a new twist after Patron Sam Nyamweya moved to court to bar chairman Jared Nivaton and Kisii Governor Simba Arati from running activities of the FKF Premier League club.
Nyamweya’s move to bar the duo comes just a day after the Kisii-based Glamour Boys secured a Ksh20 million sponsorship deal with betting firm Bangbet ahead of the new 2022-24 season set to kick off on August 26.
In the first letter addressed to Arati, who is said to have played a huge role in bringing the new sponsorship, Nyamweya through his lawyer further questioned the installation of the Kisii Governor as the patron of the team saying it was not done in compliance with the law.
“We act for Sam Nyamweya (our client), who is the duly elected patron for Shabana,” read part of the letter addressed to Arati, adding: “Our client has informed us that you have been constantly, maliciously, and illegally interfering with the running and management of Shabana to the detriment of the club. We have been specifically informed that you have been imposed by persons who are neither officials nor members of the club.”
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The statement continued: “The purported installation of Arati as the patron was not done in compliance with the law, but was surreptitiously done at a Nairobi hotel. Further, our client informs us that you are neither a member of Shabana nor were you elected as patron of Shabana.”
The statement concluded: “Shabana is an independent entity, free from political affiliations or connections. While our client acknowledges and respects your position as the Governor of Kisii County, it is imperative to clarify your political authority does not give you carte blanche to interfere with or dictate affairs of the club.”
The same letter was also addressed to club chairman Nivaton, who was faulted for signing the sponsorship deal without involving other elected officials of the club.
Shabana are making a return to the top flight after 17 years in the cold following their success in winning the National Super League (NSL) at the end of last season. They will kick off their campaign in the league against Murang’a Seal FC on August 26.