Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side has suffered a great setback following the departure of four players ahead of the second half of the 2024/25 season.

In a statement on Friday, January 31, 2025, the Slum Boys confirmed the exit of key players including Kevin Kimani who was instrumental to their midfield.

Mathare informed its fans that the midfield maestro had been recalled by his parent club, AFC Leopards. Kevin Kimani joined Mathare immediately after their promotion with Ingwe approving the loan deal for six months.

This was after he featured in AFC Leopards colours 22 times, turning up for 602 minutes where he scored 2 goals. The tactical midfielder joined AFC in July 2023.

Having initially graced the den’s pitch back in 2017, he rejoined the squad as a free agent, fresh from his tenure with the coastal powerhouse Bandari.

Kimani’s professional career started at Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) before becoming an integral part of Mathare United.

His talent then transcended borders as he ventured to Belgium in 2012, signing up with Third Division side Bocholter. He made a name for himself abroad before venturing to the local scene.

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Other outings

Besides Kimani, Mathare United also allowed Chris Koloti to return to AFC Leopards, his parent club.

Hakim Msami is another player parting ways with Mathare. Msami had joined the Slum Boys from on loan from Mombasa Elite.

Terminates Christian Lubulu’s contract

Other than departures, Mathare United announced that Christian Lubulu will not don their colours for the remainder of the season.

The Slum Boys made it clear that the midfielder’s contract had been terminated on mutual consent. Lubulu was a mainstay in Mathare’s team that helped secure promotion back to top-flight league.

However, the team did not immediately explain why they had decided to cut ties with the player.

“With the 2024/25 mid-season transfer window officially swinging open on Friday 31st January, the club would like to confirm the departure of four players.

“Kevin Kimani, Chris Koloti, Hakim Msami and Christian Lubulu will not be part of the squad for the remainder of the season. Kimani and Koloti, who were on loan from AFC Leopards, have been allowed to return to their parent club,” the club’s statement read in part.

“Msami was also on loan from Mombasa Elite and is now back with the NSL side. Lubulu, who had signed on for the entire campaign, has seen his contract terminated by mutual consent. The midfielder joined us at the start of last season in the NSL and was an integral figure as we won promotion back to the Premier League,” it added.

Nonetheless, John Kamau’s coached side will be looking to find replacements in the mid-season transfer window which was opened on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Mathare which is currently 14th in the league standings will be looking to bolster its midfield which is mostly hit by the recent departures.