Alex Mwakideu Questions Kenyans’ Habit of Mixing Politics With Football

Radio presenter Alex Mwakideu has criticised the growing tendency among some Kenyans to turn public events into political contests after a supporter of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna suggested that fans attending the upcoming Bayern Munich versus Ajax Amsterdam match should wear Linda Mwananchi merchandise.

The suggestion emerged following President William Ruto’s announcement of the highly anticipated football fixture, scheduled to take place at the Raila Odinga International Stadium.

The proposal to use the match as an opportunity to display political allegiance sparked debate online, with Mwakideu questioning why football had to be drawn into the ongoing Wantam versus Tutam political rivalry.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, the presenter said some people appeared to view every issue involving Sifuna through the lens of political support or opposition.

“Kuna watu siwaelewi, you are either for Sifuna or you are spoiling for Sifuna,” he said.

Mwakideu added that he found the suggestion particularly unnecessary, wondering whether Sifuna himself would support the idea of fans turning up at a football match in political merchandise.

Mwakideu says Sifuna is also a football fan

The presenter argued that politicians have interests outside politics and should also be allowed to enjoy sporting events without every occasion being turned into a political statement.

“You know mpaka nikajiuliza, even Sifuna himself cannot do this. Infact ata Sifuna mwenyewe ni fan wa ball, politics aside,” Mwakideu stated.

He suggested that the senator would likely appreciate the match as a football enthusiast rather than view it as another opportunity for political mobilisation.

Mwakideu maintained that supporters should be free to attend the fixture, enjoy the game and celebrate the occasion regardless of their political affiliations.

‘It doesn’t always have to be Wantam and Tutam’

The radio presenter also questioned the tendency to interpret almost every public conversation through the ongoing political debate.

“Politics aside, it doesn’t always have to be 1 term and 2 term,” he added.

His remarks come amid heightened political activity surrounding the Wantam and Tutam camps, whose supporters have continued to express their positions at public gatherings and on social media.

For Mwakideu, however, the Bayern Munich versus Ajax Amsterdam fixture should be about football, entertainment and bringing fans together rather than providing another platform for political competition.