Kisumu County has officially terminated its contract with Kisumu All-Stars, popularly known as Otenga, effectively cutting off financial support for the football club.
In a letter issued on Thursday, January 30, to Kisumu All-Stars CEO Benjamin Basole, the county government directed him to inform players and the technical bench of the decision.
“This is to bring to your attention the County Executive Committee’s decision on the non-renewal of the contract of the Kisumu All-Stars FC and the subsequent cessation of any other funding from the County Government of Kisumu. You are therefore requested to communicate the same to players and the technical bench in due time,” the letter read in part.
Speaking to The Kenyan Tabloid, Basole expressed shock at the decision, stating that he received the letter while recovering at home from an illness. He recounted that Kisumu County’s Chief Officer for Sports, Culture, Gender, and Youth Affairs, Francis Asuna, called him to inquire why he had not picked up the letter. Upon asking about its contents, Asuna immediately informed him of the contract termination, a revelation Basole said left him in disbelief.
According to Basole, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports Beatrice Odongo had raised concerns over the club’s expenditure, questioning why the team played matches every weekend.
“She says the club is using a lot of money,” Basole stated, adding that he has personally financed the team on several occasions while awaiting county reimbursements.
Basole revealed that the club’s contract officially ended in December 2024, but instead of renewal discussions, they were abruptly served with a termination notice. He criticized the county for failing to consult him or give the team time to prepare for the transition. The players, he noted, were devastated, as many depended on the club for their livelihoods.
“Kisumu All-Stars employs 37 people who have been fully reliant on the club. Since its inception, the team has nurtured raw talent, with some players now competing in top-tier leagues,” he added.
The decision appears to contradict Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o’s manifesto, which, on page 16 of its 62-page document, emphasizes sports as a major business requiring county investment. The manifesto calls for the construction of sports facilities, support for leagues and tournaments, and the establishment of sports academies.
“Sportsmen and women from the region continue to excel, especially in football and rugby, but in sporting events outside the county. Such talent needs to be exhibited and rewarded at home first to motivate others with similar potential,” the manifesto states.
The abrupt sponsorship termination has left fans and stakeholders questioning the county’s commitment to sports development. Attempts to reach CECM Odongo for comment were unsuccessful, as she claimed to be in a noisy environment and unable to respond.
Meanwhile, Kisumu All-Stars head coach Bruno Charles addressed the situation on his Facebook page, urging players and fans to remain hopeful despite the setback.
“I don’t want to say it’s a sad day because it’s not. First and foremost, we are alive, and we should be grateful for that. My phone has been buzzing non-stop, and I understand why, but I want to emphasize that this is not a sad day. Everyone associated with this amazing club—our players, my technical team, our fans, and even our immediate family and friends—should not be sad,” Charles wrote.
He reassured the team and supporters that their focus remains on the upcoming match against Naivas FC in Machakos, emphasizing resilience and unity.
“We have come a long way, not just as a team but as the Otenga Family. Throughout this journey, we have faced challenges and overcome them because we stood together as one,” he added.
Despite the uncertainty, the team is set to continue competing until the end of the season. However, the lack of county support raises questions about the club’s future sustainability.
