I am not bankrupt Gor Semelango

Wealthy Nairobi businessman and philanthropist, Gor Semelang’o, has affirmed that he meets all the qualifications set to vie for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chairman seat.

Semelango, who was formerly the Youth Fund chairman, added that bankruptcy is not an issue as he has more than enough cash.

Gor says the FKF Constitution clearly spells out the conditions which one ought to meet to qualify to vie, and that none of the requirements locks him out.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Gor stated: “The FKF constitution, article 32 sections 5 and 6, don’t bar me from vying.”

Elaborating, he added: “Section 5 says you must be 18 years and above; which I am. It further says you should have been active in football matters. It does not specify the number of years, months, minutes or seconds. You all know that I have been actively involved in the running of football matters in the country.”

Gor Semelang’o said those opposing his bid to run for FKF Chairman should adopt better gimmicks to lock him out of the race.

“If they want to create those rules, they must domesticate the statute by changing or amending our FKF constitution,” asserted Semelang’o.

He further quoted the FKF constitution: “Section 6 of article 32 outlines who is not eligible – like the President, the Deputy President or any other member of the Executive arm of the government.”

Denouncing what he termed as malicious rumours by his opponents, Gor affirmed  that he is not bankrupt.

“Section 6 also says you will not be eligible if you are declared bankrupt. My account balances can bear me witness. And therefore I am fully qualified to vie,” Gor told.

Saying he is determined to take the FKF mantle, Mr Semelang’o affirmed he is still in the race.

“They will not lock me out – they want to, but they have not amended the FKF constitution to allow so,” said the confident businessman.

So what procedures must his opponents follow to kick him out of the race on constitutional grounds?

“If they want to lock me out, they must call an AGM and amend the constitution. Any decision of the AGM takes 60 days before implementation. Technically, I am eligible.”

Gor will on November 13 battle it out with other front-runners for the top seat. They include: the incumbent Sam Nyamweya, Kariobangi Sharks Chairman Nick Mwendwa and Sammy Sholei.