DONE DEAL: Dimba Patriots acquires Mwatate United

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed and effected the merger between fourth-tier moneybags Dimba Patriots and National Super League (NSL) side Mwatate United with the former basically acquiring the latter.

Trouble has been brewing at Mwatate United due to a managerial dispute between two factions led by current chairman Suleiman Mwabindo and the club's founder, James Okoyo Mbaraka. The conflict arose as the Mwabindo-led office, backed by a short-term sponsorship from Teita Estate Limited, was reluctant to relinquish control of the club after their agreed period.

James Okoyo, one of the club's founders, explained that his office had temporarily handed over the team to the new management under the condition that they would regain control once they secured a sponsor. However, Okoyo expressed dissatisfaction with how the Mwabindo-led team handled the club, including alleged financial mismanagement and neglect of players' needs, an allegation the Mwabindo-led faction disputes.

However Okoyo has finally succeeded in his bid and has now basically handed over the team to Dimba Patriots as per the latest communication from FKF.

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"Further to our meeting held on Friday 1 September, and the documents submitted, we wish to inform you that FKF has effected the change of management for Mwatate Football Club in line with the merger with Dimba Patriots and will in the coming days prepare a detailed response for all the issues that were raised," an email from FKF Head of League and Competitions, Doreen Nabwire, reads in part.

Dimba Patriots alongside Mayenje Santos, Kona Rangers were relegated from the third-tier to the fourth-tier after they refused to honor matches protesting FKF's decision to nullify 2021-22 season that was run by the FKF Caretaker Committee claiming promotion and relegation from the leagues should have been effected. The three teams would have been promoted to the National Super League (FKF) if the season wasn't nullified.

Dimba Patriots has now achieved it's dream, albeit through the acquisition of Mwatate United.