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Former Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder enters face to become MP
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Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 24.02.26. | 15:39
Unlike many retired players who transition into coaching or football administration, the former winger believes politics offers a more expansive platform to address youth challenges
Immediate former Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder Kevin Amwayi has formally stepped into the political arena, declaring his intention to contest for the Lurambi Constituency parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Elections.
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The former Kenya international, who recently parted ways with the FKF Premier League outfit, confirmed his political ambitions in an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, bringing to light a transition that signals the end of a 15-year football career and the beginning of a new chapter in public service.
Circulating campaign flyers that flooded social media platforms over the weekend first hinted at the move.
However, Amwayi put speculation to rest with a candid confirmation.
“It is true I am actively going to vie for the Member of Parliament seat for Lurambi Constituency. I have made up my mind to transition from the footballing world into politics effectively,” he stated.
Amwayi, who previously turned out for Ulinzi Stars, Western Stima and Tusker FC, revealed that his decision was informed by a desire to create a broader impact beyond the confines of the pitch.
Unlike many retired players who transition into coaching or football administration, the former winger believes politics offers a more expansive platform to address youth challenges.
He cited limited infrastructure, financial constraints within football structures, and the restricted reach of coaching roles as factors that influenced his choice.
According to Amwayi, leadership at the national level presents an opportunity to influence policy, mobilise resources, and create sustainable systems capable of accommodating a wider spectrum of young people, not just those talented enough to make it into professional sport.
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Amwayi, the son of former Kenya international Fred Sirenge, is set to become the latest football personality to attempt a foray into national politics, joining a lineage of ex-players who have walked the path before him, with varying outcomes.
Among the most notable is former Gor Mahia player Chris Obure. Obure successfully served as Bobasi Member of Parliament between 2007 and 2013.
He later became Kisii County Senator from 2013 to 2017, illustrating how a sporting background can translate into electoral success and long-term political influence.
Current Football Kenya Federation Vice President MacDonald Mariga also threw his hat into elective politics, contesting the Kibra parliamentary seat during the 2019 by-elections following the death of then MP Ken Okoth.
Though he did not win, his campaign highlighted the potential of leveraging a footballing profile for political mobilisation, while also reflecting the challenges of converting sporting acclaim into votes.
The late Joab Omino, a former Kenya international, served as Kisumu Town West Member of Parliament, leaving a legacy of bridging sport and public service in his community.
His tenure underscored the importance of local roots and community engagement for footballers entering politics.
Another prominent figure is Peter Kenneth, who had a notable footballing background before fully immersing himself in politics.
Kenneth served as Gatanga Member of Parliament from 2007 to 2013 and later ran for higher national offices, including the 2013 presidential and 2017 gubernatorial bids.
Other cases include Dan Shikanda, former AFC Leopards chairman, who attempted to win the Makadara parliamentary seat but fell short, indicating that administrative experience in football does not automatically translate into electoral success.
Similarly, Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, ex-Kenya international and Gor Mahia head coach, contested a councillor position shortly after retirement but was unsuccessful.
Currently attached to FKF Division One Zone C outfit Samitsi FC, Amwayi disclosed that he will officially retire from active football at the conclusion of the ongoing season.
“At the end of the ongoing season, I am officially going to hang up my boots and actively navigate through the murky political waters as I focus on securing the MP seat,” he added.
His entry into the race sets the stage for what could become a high-profile contest against incumbent Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, who is currently serving his second term.
Amwayi’s declaration comes barely six months after Harambee Stars attacker Masoud Juma also publicly expressed his intention to vie for the Isiolo North parliamentary seat in 2027.