BY ALEX WANJALA.

The Manchester United Fans Association, Bungoma Chapter, has announced that it is preparing to host a major national charity event scheduled for 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 across the country, marking what they believe will be one of the largest gatherings of Manchester United fans in Kenya to date. The organisers indicated that the initiative is intended not only to unite supporters under a common banner but also to amplify their ongoing efforts to give back to the community.

In a briefing to the press, the chapter’s chairperson, Anthony Mukholi, indicated that planning for the event had already begun and that members were working to ensure that it becomes a landmark occasion. He suggested that the Bungoma Chapter had taken the lead in hosting the national charity event because of its strong organisational structure and the commitment demonstrated by its members. He explained that the decision to hold the event during Easter was deliberate, as the holiday typically attracts increased community interest and offers an opportunity for charitable activities to have a stronger social impact.

Mukholi pointed out that the Bungoma Chapter had grown significantly over the years. He reported that the organisation currently has more than 2,000 registered members, with recruitment still ongoing. According to him, the chapter continues to attract new fans who are eager to join its activities. He mentioned that their membership extends across all nine sub-counties of Bungoma County, reflecting widespread enthusiasm for the club and its initiatives.

The leadership expressed confidence that the numbers would continue to rise as preparations for the event gained momentum.In describing the organisation’s ongoing activities, Mukholi highlighted that the chapter is not solely focused on football fan engagements but also places strong emphasis on community welfare. He stated that the group frequently undertakes charity initiatives such as planting trees in public institutions as part of their environmental conservation efforts.

The chairperson further explained that members often visit children’s homes, where they spend time with the children and donate various items. He said that the organisation has also been assisting children from humble backgrounds by paying school fees and providing learning materials, which he described as part of their commitment to supporting education. Additionally, he noted that the group has been participating in blood donation exercises to help boost local hospital supplies.While speaking about the upcoming national charity event, Mukholi disclosed that the group plans to make significant contributions to disadvantaged school-going children.

He mentioned that during the event, the organisation intends to distribute school uniforms, shoes, books, and school bags to learners from underprivileged families. The leadership believes that these donations could ease the burden on many parents who struggle to meet school-related expenses, especially at the start of the academic term. The organisers emphasised that education remains one of the key pillars of their charity activities, and they hoped the event would bring meaningful change to the lives of the beneficiaries.

Despite their ambitious plans, Mukholi acknowledged that the organisation faces several challenges, the most notable being financial constraints. He explained that while the chapter has committed members, many of their initiatives require substantial funds, which are not always readily available. He revealed that organising a national event of such magnitude demands significant financial resources, from logistics and coordination to the procurement of items intended for donation. The leadership expressed concern that without adequate financial support, some of their planned activities might not be implemented as envisioned.In light of this, Mukholi appealed to well-wishers, donors, corporate sponsors, and the general public to support the charity drive.

He stated that assistance from partners would greatly enhance the organisation’s ability to reach more needy children and ensure the success of the event. According to him, contributions of any size whether financial, material, or logistical would help reduce the burden on the organisers and strengthen the overall impact of the initiative. He further encouraged individuals and institutions to collaborate with the fans’ association, arguing that such partnerships could create a more sustainable model for future charity work.