By Joshua Otieno | April 12, 2026
KISII, KENYA — The streets of Kisii came alive on Saturday evening as Shabana FC’s ultra-modern team bus rolled into town to a jubilant , signaling a major milestone for the club ahead of an official handover by William Ruto.
The custom-built, double-axle Isuzu vehicle—nicknamed “Mnyama” by fans—was received with celebrations as supporters, popularly known as “Tore Bobe,” escorted it through the town to Kisii Stage Lodge. The acquisition fulfills a pledge made by President Ruto to the club, widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most historic football sides.
To meet professional standards, the bus was extensively modified by Master Fabricators Ltd, reducing its seating capacity from 65 to 45 to prioritize comfort and player recovery. The redesigned interior features VIP and VVIP ergonomic seating, tailored for long-distance travel and improved team welfare.
“We are excited to finally have the bus on the ground. This is a huge boost for the team’s morale and professional outlook,” said Shabana FC Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama.
President Ruto is expected to officially hand over the bus today, Sunday, April 12, at Gusii Stadium, where he will present the keys and logbook to the club’s management. The ceremony forms part of the President’s broader development tour of the region.
The day’s events will begin with a friendly match between Shabana FC and Gucha Stars at 2:00 PM, setting the stage for the official handover scheduled for later in the afternoon.
In addition to the handover, the President will preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for a Sh900 million upgrade of Gusii Stadium, a project to be undertaken by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). The initiative is expected to significantly enhance sports infrastructure in the region.
The visit will conclude with a consultative leadership meeting at Kisii State Lodge, capping a day marked by renewed investment in sports and regional development.
The unveiling of the new team bus and the planned stadium upgrade underscore ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots football and elevate Kenya’s sporting standards.
