Advertisement
Ruto hosts Migori Youth FC at State House
13th July, 2026 11:42 AM
President William Ruto is hosting a high-profile delegation from Migori Youth FC at State House following the club’s historic promotion to the Kenyan top-tier football league for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
The fast-rising club secured automatic promotion after being crowned the National Super League (NSL) champions when the second-tier league concluded in May 2026. With the NSL trophy in hand, the Migori-based outfit is now ready to battle Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) heavyweights such as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
The visiting delegation was led by Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, club chairman Aziz, and club patron Mark Ogolla Nyamita, among other local leaders and stakeholders.
Migori rising
In his address, President Ruto acknowledged the team’s meteoric rise from the lower tiers of Kenyan football, commending their resilience in becoming an elite FKF-PL outfit.
“I want to congratulate you for fighting your way up from the lower leagues to win the championship and join the top flight alongside traditional giants like Shabana and AFC Leopards and others. It is a commendable feat, and I must congratulate you for that,”Ruto stated.
With the financial demands of the top-tier league looming, club patron Mark Nyamita and chairman Aziz, used the platform to appeal for national financial backing, urging the head of state to help engage corporate partners to sustain the club. Nyamita emphasized the unique power of football to unite the youth, who represent a critical demographic of Kenya’s population.
“We are preparing to play in the top league, which is an expensive venture, and we are asking for your support. We also urge our local leaders to come together and mobilize resources to ensure the players secure stable employment and timely salaries,” chairman Aziz noted.
Pleas for financial support
Aziz further lauded the government’s recent investments in sports infrastructure, citing the visible progress made during the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament preparations.
Adding flavor to the event, the patron concluded his remarks with a lighthearted, witty remark aimed at the president, urging him to fully throw his political and financial weight behind the rising stars. “Ingia kwa team yenye iko na future, achana na hizi team zingine ndogo ndogo (Join a team that has a bright future; leave these other small teams alone),” he joked.
Turning to administrative backing, Governor Ochillo Ayacko reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting the sports sector and nurturing local talent.
“Out of the seven medals Kenya won at the last Olympics, one of the female medalists hails from Migori. We truly yearn to give our young people every opportunity to participate and excel in sports,” Governor Ayacko affirmed.
As part of their rigorous preparations for the grueling 2026/27 FKF Premier League season, Migori Youth FC has already re-appointed tactical gaffer Salim Babu as head coach.
