- Supporters of Butere Boys High School have voiced concern over reports that the team could be excluded from the Western Region Secondary Schools Games.
- Fans are urging education and sports officials to ensure the appeal process is fair and transparent.
- Kakamega County education officials say the appeals jury is still reviewing the case and no final decision has been announced.
Supporters of Butere Boys High School football team, popularly known as The Exodus, have expressed concern over reports that the school could be excluded from the forthcoming Western Region Secondary Schools Games scheduled for July 8 to 11 in Bungoma County.
Reports circulating online suggest that Butere Boys could lose its place in the competition, with Kakamega High School, popularly known as the Green Commandos, expected to take the slot.
Speaking on behalf of the supporters, Jesse Angaya, who identified himself as Exodus Fans member No. 001, described the reported move as unfair and demoralising to players who had worked hard in preparation for the regional championships.
“It is wrong to deny these boys an opportunity to compete after all the effort they have put in. Sports should be decided on the pitch, not on the table,” he said.
Angaya noted that Butere Boys had already played Kakamega High School during the county championships, where Kakamega won 1-0 in the group stage.
He questioned why the appeal was reportedly directed at Butere Boys instead of other participating teams and alleged that the appeals process lacked fairness.
He added that many supporters had already planned to travel to Bungoma to cheer the team and were disappointed by the reported developments.
Another supporter, Kevin Odinga, popularly known as “Mavoko”, also urged education and sports officials to ensure Butere Boys receives a fair hearing.
The supporters further questioned claims that some players were ineligible, maintaining that the players had been enrolled at the school since Form One.
Appeal still under review
Butere Boys emerged as Kakamega County champions after defeating Musingu High School on penalties during the county football championships held at the Mumias Sports Complex from June 18 to 20.
Speaking to the media, Kakamega County Director of Education Stephen Abere confirmed that several appeals had been lodged following the county championships.
He said decisions relating to the girls’ football category had already been concluded, while the appeals jury was still evaluating evidence relating to the case involving Butere Boys.
“The jury is still evaluating the evidence presented concerning Butere Boys and a decision will be communicated once the process is complete,” Abere said.
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Some supporters also criticised Kakamega High School over what they described as frequent challenges to competition outcomes. However, these claims represent the views of the supporters and have not been independently verified.
By Victor Ngecho
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