Time to end FKF wrangles

The chaos and acrimony witnessed during the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Special General Meeting in Meru on Saturday do not bode well for the local game.

The meeting, chaired by FKF President Mohammed Hussein and attended by representatives of world governing body Fifa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), saw 65 delegates vote to expel seven executive committee members.

Those expelled included FKF Deputy President MacDonald Mariga, who was accused of gross misconduct and seriously violating the FKF constitution. The decision followed an attempt by Mariga and his faction to suspend Hussein on April 24 over alleged insurance fraud during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Police officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit, who had accompanied Mariga after he was summoned to appear before the meeting and respond to the disciplinary charges, fired tear gas at the venue and attempted to eject delegates, sparking commotion.

There was a sigh of relief when Hussein and Mariga were elected on December 7, 2024, with many hoping the new leadership would restore sanity following allegations of corruption under former president Nick Mwendwa.

Barely months into office, cracks emerged when Mariga claimed he had been sidelined in the federation’s affairs, accusing Hussein of failing to facilitate his official travel and accommodation. The war of words escalated when Mariga and his allies attempted to suspend Hussein and other officials over their alleged involvement in a Sh42.48 million insurance fraud during CHAN 2024, a move the president dismissed.

The damaging divisions within the FKF executive committee have hindered the development of the game, coming at a time when unity of purpose is essential as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Football is played under established rules. Similarly, its administration must be guided by FKF, CAF and Fifa regulations, as well as the laws of the land. These wrangles must stop. Officials must be told in no uncertain terms that the game is bigger than their egos.

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