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Football and bullfighting stakeholders in Kakamega county are up in arms over plans by Shinyalu Constituency National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) committee to set up temporary structures to host pupils of Khayega Primary School at Khayega grounds.

Shinyalu MP Kizito Mugali has ordered the early closure and demolition of structures at the school, saying they are in poor condition and wants the pupils housed at Khayega grounds in the interim but the stakeholders are having none of it. 

“We are not opposed to education but this time round, Hon Kizito and his team got it wrong to bring down the classrooms without having proper arrangements as to where to relocate the hundreds of pupils,” said Football Kenya Federation Kakamega sub branch youth leader Andrew Likabo.

He added: “As we approach the festive season, various tournaments have been lined up and it is from them that our youngsters are spotted and scouted by big clubs.”

“The venue is also very important for bullfighting activities and also home to various churches. The decision was made without seeking public opinion and we are opposed to it,” said Likabo.

Khayega grounds is famous for producing some of Kenya’s past and present football stars such as the late Anthony Mukabwa and Levy Khayati, David Asibwa, Elijah Lidonde, Enoch Litanji, Livingstone Madegwa, Riginald Asibwa, Nick Yakhama, Justus Muhati, Carson Likono currently with Posta Rangers and Piston Mutamba of Wazito FC. 

As the standoff rumbles on, it has also emerged that the County Government of Kakamega has embarked on plans to upgrade the grounds.