Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli made headlines this evening when he personally donated Ksh100,000 to AFC Leopards as a congratulatory gift moments after the club stunned arch-rivals Gor Mahia 0-1 in the highly charged Mashemeji Derby played at Nyayo National Stadium.
The Deputy Inspector General, who is widely known to be a die-hard Ingwe fan, walked to the AFC Leopards dressing room immediately after the final whistle and handed over the cash donation to club officials in full view of players and technical bench members.
Sources inside the camp confirmed that Masengeli described the money as “a small token of appreciation for bringing joy to millions of Kenyans and keeping the pride of Ingwe alive.”
AFC Leopards ended a six-year wait for a Mashemeji Derby victory thanks to a first-half goal from Julius Masaba in the 26th minute. The win lifted Leopards to sixth on the FKF Premier League table and sent their supporters into wild celebrations across the country.
Club chairman Bonface Ambani thanked the acting police boss for the timely boost ahead of the festive season. “This donation from DIG Masengeli means a lot to the players and the entire AFC Leopards family. It shows that our supporters in high places never abandoned us even during tough times,” he told reporters outside the stadium.
Masengeli, who attended the match in the VIP section alongside several senior government officials, has never hidden his loyalty to the 12-time Kenyan champions. His public appearance at the derby and the immediate cash gift quickly went viral on social media platforms, with thousands of Leopards fans praising the gesture.
The Ksh100,000 donation is expected to help the cash-strapped club clear part of the pending player bonuses and support upcoming training camps. AFC Leopards next face Kenya Police away on December 12.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor admitted his side paid the price for missed chances in the first half but promised a strong response when the league resumes in January.
Today’s dramatic Mashemeji Derby once again proved why it remains the biggest fixture in Kenyan football, attracting a near-capacity crowd and millions more watching live on television.
For AFC Leopards supporters, the victory and the surprise gift from DIG-APS Masengeli made December 7, 2025, a day they will remember for many years to come.
