By Alex Wekesa
BUNGOMA, Kenya
The Manchester United Fans Association, Bungoma Chapter, has announced plans to host a national charity event in April 2026 during the Easter holiday season.
According to the chapter’s leadership, the event is expected to bring together supporters of the English football club from all 47 counties, marking what they believe will be one of the largest gatherings of Manchester United fans in Kenya.
Organizers said the initiative aims not only to unite supporters under a common cause but also to strengthen the association’s ongoing community outreach efforts.
In a briefing to reporters, chapter chairperson Anthony Mukholi said preparations were already underway and that members were working to ensure the event becomes a landmark occasion.
He said the Bungoma Chapter took the lead in hosting the national charity event because of its strong organizational structure and the commitment shown by its members.
Mukholi said holding the event during Easter was a deliberate decision, noting that the holiday typically draws increased community involvement and offers an opportunity for charitable activities to have a stronger social impact.
He also noted that the Bungoma Chapter has grown significantly over the years and now has more than 2,000 registered members, with recruitment ongoing.
The association’s membership extends across all nine sub-counties of Bungoma County.
Leaders expressed confidence that membership numbers would continue to rise as preparations for the event gain momentum.
Mukholi emphasized that the chapter is not focused solely on football-related activities but also prioritizes community welfare.
He said the group regularly undertakes charity initiatives, including planting trees in public institutions as part of environmental conservation efforts.
He added that members frequently visit children’s homes, where they spend time with the children and donate essential items.
The organization also supports children from low-income families by paying school fees and providing learning materials.
The group additionally participates in blood donation drives to boost supplies in local hospitals.
Speaking about the upcoming charity event, Mukholi said the chapter plans to make significant contributions to disadvantaged school-going children.
He said the group intends to distribute school uniforms, shoes, books and school bags to learners from underprivileged families.
Leaders believe these donations could ease the financial burden on many parents as the school term begins.
The organizers stressed that education remains a key pillar of their charitable work and expressed hope that the event will create meaningful change for the beneficiaries.
Despite the ambitious plans, Mukholi acknowledged that the organization faces challenges, particularly financial constraints.
He said that although the chapter has committed members, many initiatives require substantial resources that are not always readily available.
Hosting a national event of this scale, he said, demands significant funding for logistics, coordination and procurement of donation materials.
The leadership expressed concern that without adequate financial support, some planned activities may not be implemented as envisioned.
Mukholi appealed to well-wishers, donors, corporate sponsors and the general public to support the charity drive.
He said assistance from partners would greatly enhance the association’s ability to reach more needy children and ensure the success of the event.
Contributions of any size — whether financial, material or logistical — would help ease the burden on organizers and strengthen the impact of the initiative.
He encouraged individuals and institutions to collaborate with the fans’ association, saying such partnerships could help create a sustainable model for future charity work.
