Bandari make sweeping changes after torrid start to the season

Bandari FC have taken the unprecedented step of dismissing almost its entire board of trustees following a worrying run of torrid results that has left the Dockers struggling for form and direction.

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In a letter dated Tuesday, 9 December, issued by the club’s parent sponsor, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Managing Director Captain William Ruto confirmed that the 18-member board, constituted in March to guide the club through the 2025 season, had been dissolved with immediate effect.

Only Chief Executive Officer Tony Kibwana has been spared in the sweeping restructuring.

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Leading those shown the door is veteran coach Twahir Mubarak, who had been serving as the board’s vice-chairman, alongside club chairman Eng. Stephen Toya.

Also affected are secretary Ayub Nyata, former secretary Dave Buchere, and trustees Nurien Shakuwe, Cleopatra Taabu, John Kiptoo, Patricia Manthi, Vincent Kosgei, Gunda Kaneno, Gabriel Mghendi, Ricky Solomon, Salim Ali, Rajab Babu, Mohamed Magidi, and Wycliffe Ayangu, among others.

The decisive move underscores KPA’s increasing frustration with the club’s performances in the FKF Premier League.

Bandari have managed just two wins, six draws, and three defeats this season as they sit 14th on 12 points, just four points off the foot of the table, an underwhelming return for a club expected to compete at the top end of the log.

Captain Ruto, in the communique, emphasised the need for urgent realignment to restore competitiveness, noting that the Premier League’s intensity demands result-oriented performance.

"Acknowledging the competitive nature of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League and keen to re-strategise the club’s performance, management hereby dissolves the 2025 Board of Trustees as currently constituted,” the directive read in part.

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“Pending reconstitution of the board in due time, the stewardship of the club is hereby vested in Mr. Tony Kibwana, manager security services, who will act as the club’s chief executive officer with effect from the date of this memo,” the communication further read.

The decision places full responsibility of the club’s operations on Tony Kibwana until a new board is appointed.

It also signals a major shake-up in the Dockers’ administrative framework as they seek to steady a rapidly sinking ship.

The restructuring comes just months after the club appointed Moroccan tactician Mohamed Borji in October, hoping he would spark a revival.

Yet the experienced coach is still chasing his second win in charge, further amplifying the pressure on the technical bench and the management.