Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has come out to comment on reports that he intends to splash millions to acquire Kenya Premier League side Wazito FC.
During the weekend, local media reports enlisted the legislator among politicians seeking to own football teams in the country.
A section of the media reported that Wazito FC was undergoing financial constraints and indicated that the MP was negotiating a possible Sh8 to 11 million payouts to own the premier league side.
Babu, during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, denied the reports saying acquiring the team would not make it to the list of his priorities as an elected leader.
“It is not a priority now, I am focussing on helping my people. I would rather use that money to educate young people in Embakasi or donate it to support my constituents, or give it to the footballers, or probably spend it on helping the youth secure employment,” stated the MP.
One of the teams said to be up for grabs is Thika United which Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria is reportedly angling to acquire and subsequently rebrand it to Mount Kenya United.
Babu's rival Francis Mureithi, who last week lost in court in the case seeking to overturn the MP’s election, has reportedly bought Nakumatt FC.
Wazito FC Chief Executive Officer Luthers Mokua has stated that just like most other teams, they face cash constraints.
“It is not true that we are planning to sell the team to anyone, not even Babu Owino. We do not know where the claims emerged but if Babu Owino approaches us with a good proposal, then why not? All we seek to take care of is the player’s welfare,” debunked Mr Mokua.
Wazito FC recently lost one of its key playmaker, Joe Wachira, upon his move to Nakumatt FC. Wachira joined the club in 2016 and had twice attracted national duty call-ups to Harambee Stars.
Attacking midfielder Geoffrey Kataka, who once played for the team while still under the name UoN FC before moving to Posta Rangers, last week rejoined the team.
The move is targeted at strengthening the Wazito FC grip on the premier league and other local competitions.