Cleophas Shimanyula, popularly known as Toto, is a self-made tycoon from Kakamega County. Rising from humble beginnings, Shimanyula is now one of the most influential figures in Kenyan football and the public transport industry, especially around western parts of Kenya. Born into a modest family, his father worked as a mechanic and part-time taxi operator in Kakamega. Shimanyula’s academic journey was short-lived as he dropped out early, admitting in a past interview that education never sparked his passion.
His entrepreneurial journey started as a tout and car cleaner at Kakamega’s main stage. His father later helped him purchase an old saloon car, which Shimanyula used as a taxi for over a decade. This modest venture would be the foundation of a public transport empire. After taking out a loan from a local bank, Shimanyula purchased his first matatu, which he christened “Homeboyz.” The vehicle served passengers on the Kakamega-Kisumu route, and its success led him to expand his fleet under the now well-known Homeboyz brand.
Today, Shimanyula controls over 50 public service vehicles operating in Western Kenya and has provided employment to more than 1,000 people. His transport business has established him as a formidable business figure in Kakamega.
In 2010, Shimanyula founded Kakamega Homeboyz FC, a club that has become synonymous with football in Western Kenya. Although the club was relegated from the Kenyan Premier League in 2013, it fought its way back into top-tier football. The club’s journey back to the top was not without controversy. In 2014, Homeboyz found themselves at the center of a points deduction scandal that many believe was politically motivated. The club, along with Zoo Kericho and Shabana, was part of a promotion dispute that highlighted the tension between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Kenya Premier League Limited (KPL).
Despite these challenges, Kakamega Homeboyz has enjoyed steady success under Shimanyula’s leadership. The club won the FKF Cup in 2023, earning them a ticket to the African Confederation Cup.
Beyond football, Shimanyula’s growing influence in Kenyan sports is evident as he now sets his sights on the FKF Presidential seat. His candidacy comes as no surprise, given his deep-rooted involvement in the game and his desire to reform the Kenyan football administration.
Shimanyula’s rise from a car cleaner to a tycoon with interests in football, transport, and now national sports leadership is a testament to his ambition, resilience, and vision. He remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in Kenya’s football and business circles.
