Nairobi, Kenya| A seemingly innocuous moment at the Harambee Stars versus DRC football match at Kasarani Stadium has ignited a political firestorm, thrusting Sport Fund CEO Nuh Mohamed Ibrahim into the eye of a brewing controversy.
The state-appointed executive was spotted seated shoulder-to-shoulder with Cleophas Malala, the outspoken Deputy Party Leader of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) and a leading figure in the Wamunyoro outfit, a movement associated with deposed former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, in what insiders describe as a calculated display of political defiance.
The image of the duo, captured in a viral photo that has set social media ablaze, has raised questions about Nuh’s loyalty to President William Ruto’s administration and sparked accusations of betrayal in Kenya’s volatile political landscape.
A Calculated Encounter or a Chance Meeting?
High-level sources privy to the unfolding drama have confirmed that Nuh and Malala didn’t merely cross paths at the stadium.
The two arrived together, chauffeured in the same sleek vehicle, a detail that has sent shockwaves through political circles and fueled speculation about Nuh’s allegiances.
The sighting comes at a time when Malala has emerged as the face of opposition realignment, championing the Wamunyoro Party’s aggressive push to challenge the status quo. His signature “one term” slogan, symbolized by a single raised finger, has become a rallying cry for those agitating against Ruto’s administration.
In the now-infamous photo, Malala’s defiant gesture is on full display, while Nuh, a direct beneficiary of Ruto’s patronage, appears unfazed, sporting a calm smile that many interpret as tacit endorsement—or, at the very least, strategic indifference.
“This wasn’t a coincidence. It was a statement,” said political analyst Jane Wambui, who has closely followed the Wamunyoro movement’s growing influence. “For a state CEO to be seen so publicly with a figure like Malala, especially at a high-profile event, sends a clear message. Nuh is either openly aligning with the opposition or playing a dangerous double game.”
A History of Whispers and Allegations
This is not the first time Nuh Mohamed’s name has surfaced in connection with the Wamunyoro wave, particularly in his native Isiolo. Insiders have long whispered about his alleged role in mobilizing support for the opposition behind closed doors.
These rumors gained traction during the recent Wamunyoro agitation, when the group was accused of plotting to destabilize Isiolo’s political landscape. Though the scheme ultimately faltered, Nuh’s name remained in the shadows, with critics pointing to his silence as evidence of complicity.
The Kasarani photo, widely circulated by bloggers closely associated with Nuh, has only intensified these suspicions, with many now viewing it as the “smoking gun” that confirms his flirtation with the opposition.
“The photo feels choreographed, almost like a deliberate signal to the opposition that they have an ally on the inside,” said Mwangi Kariuki, a Nairobi-based political commentator. “For someone in Nuh’s position, a state appointee enjoying the perks of government, to be seen so comfortably with Malala is either a bold power move or a catastrophic miscalculation.”
Isiolo’s Fury: A Betrayal of Trust
In Isiolo, where loyalty to President Ruto remains a cornerstone of local politics, the backlash has been swift and unrelenting. Residents who once celebrated Nuh’s appointment as Sport Fund CEO now feel deceived by his apparent dalliance with the opposition.
“We stood by him when he was elevated to such a high office,” said Ahmed Yusuf, a former youth representative in Isiolo. “To see him cozying up to Malala, who’s openly mocking the President with that ‘one term’ nonsense, feels like a slap in the face.”
The viral image, which shows Malala’s raised finger juxtaposed with Nuh’s serene demeanor, has only deepened the sense of betrayal. Social media platforms, particularly X and Facebook, have been flooded with reactions, with hashtags like #NuhBetrayal and #WamunyoroWave trending in Kenya.
Many users have accused Nuh of “playing both sides,” leveraging his government position by day while quietly supporting opposition efforts by night.
A Dangerous New Trend?
The Kasarani incident has sparked broader concerns about a growing trend of political operatives who straddle the line between loyalty and opportunism.
Analysts warn that Nuh’s actions may be emblematic of a new class of “double agents” within Kenya’s political sphere—individuals who enjoy the privileges of state appointments while secretly plotting realignments with opposition forces.
This phenomenon, if unchecked, could destabilize the delicate balance of power in Ruto’s administration, particularly as the 2027 elections loom on the horizon.
“Loyalty is the currency of Kenyan politics,” said Professor, a prominent local political economist. “When a figure like Nuh, who owes his position to the President, is seen aligning with the opposition, it erodes trust and emboldens others to follow suit. Kasarani wasn’t just a football match—it was a stage for a slow, silent shift in allegiances.”
Nuh’s Silence and the Road Ahead
As of the time of publishing, Nuh Mohamed has remained silent, offering no public response to the allegations swirling around him.
His reticence has only fueled speculation, with critics interpreting it as an admission of guilt and supporters urging him to clarify his position.
Attempts to reach his office for comment were unsuccessful, but sources close to the Sport Fund CEO insist that the encounter with Malala was “purely coincidental” and not indicative of any political realignment.
Meanwhile, Malala has leaned into the controversy, posting cryptic messages on X that appear to taunt his detractors.
One post, accompanied by the now-iconic photo, read: “The game is bigger than the players. #WANTAM.” The message, widely interpreted as a jab at Ruto’s administration, has only intensified the scrutiny on Nuh’s role in the unfolding drama.
What’s Next for Nuh Mohamed?
The Kasarani incident has placed Nuh Mohamed at a critical crossroads. As a state CEO, his proximity to opposition figures like Malala raises serious questions about his loyalty and could jeopardize his position within Ruto’s administration.
Political observers are closely watching how the government responds, with some speculating that Nuh could face disciplinary action or even dismissal if the allegations of disloyalty are substantiated.
For now, the viral photo remains a stark reminder of the high stakes in Kenya’s political arena, where every gesture, every smile, and every seat at a football match can carry profound consequences.
As the Wamunyoro wave continues to gain momentum, and with Malala’s star rising in opposition circles, Nuh Mohamed’s next move will be scrutinized like never before.
One thing is certain: in this game of thrones, where loyalty is king, betrayal gets photographed—and the fallout could reshape Kenya’s, and in particular, Isiolo’s political landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. For more on Kenya’s political dynamics, follow our coverage on all social media networks and visit our website for in-depth analysis.
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