MP Gathoni Wamuchomba Fires Back at Ruto’s CS Murkomen Over Manchester United-Arsenal Match

Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has fired back at Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following his remarks about plans to bring English Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal to Kenya for a football match next year.

Wamuchomba questioned the government’s priorities, arguing that the country had more pressing issues that deserved immediate attention than hosting international football clubs.

In her response, the outspoken legislator suggested that Murkomen should first concentrate on addressing the financial challenges facing tea farmers and clearing outstanding debts owed to tea factories before making promises about bringing foreign football clubs to the country.

“Manchester is not our priority. Let him pay the tea factory debts first,” Wamuchomba remarked.

Her comments came after Murkomen announced that President William Ruto would facilitate a high-profile friendly match involving Manchester United and Arsenal in Nairobi in July 2027.

The announcement attracted attention among football enthusiasts, with many expressing excitement at the possibility of watching two of England’s most popular clubs play on Kenyan soil.

However, Wamuchomba’s response shifted the conversation towards the economic challenges facing tea farmers, particularly in regions where tea farming remains a major source of household income.

The legislator appeared to question why the government was prioritising expensive sporting spectacles while farmers continued to demand payments and better returns for their agricultural produce.

Tea farming supports thousands of households across several counties, including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kericho, Bomet and Nandi.

For many farmers, delayed payments and financial difficulties affecting tea factories have remained major concerns, prompting calls for government intervention and accountability.

Wamuchomba’s remarks also come amid growing political exchanges between government leaders and opposition figures over the country’s development priorities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Her response is likely to intensify debate over whether the government’s proposed sporting investments should take precedence over the immediate economic concerns affecting ordinary Kenyans.

While bringing international football clubs to Kenya could boost tourism, sports development and international visibility, Wamuchomba insists that addressing farmers’ financial struggles should come first.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AKN1irqUJ/

JUNGLE_Master_News feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com