Elections are the main agenda as football federation delegates meet to chart the way forward

The eagerly awaited Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will go down in Nairobi tomorrow but none of the aspiring presidential candidates will be in attendance.

With the AGM set to discuss among other things, the financial report, the 2020 Electoral Code and set the dates for the elections scheduled for later this year, individuals who have shown their interest in contesting for the top seat currently being held by Nick Mwendwa, will not be able to participate in the exercise, bringing up the question, who will safeguard their interest in the meeting?

None of the aspirants who have so far shown interest, qualify to attend the AGM that is a members only affair. Delegates who are already in Nairobi have called for a press briefing today to talk about the issue of membership, with a section demanding that the federation safeguards its constitution to avoid anarchy.

First, it was the Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed, who was declared ineligible to attend the AGM despite promoted Premier League club Murang’a Seal FC endorsing him to represent them. A letter from FKF CEO Barry Otieno outlined the reasons why Mohammed was barred by saying: “Following a comprehensive review of the registration documents and other details thereof regarding Murang’a Seal submitted in compliance with Article L02 and L03 of the FKF Club lincensing Regulations and Article 54 and 55 of the CAF men’s club lincensing regulations (2022) attached for your reference, we would like to inform you that Hussein Mohammed is nor registered with FKF as a member of Murang’a Seal or FKF general, in accordance with Article 11 of the FKF constitution (2017)and Article 8.1.4 of the FKF regulations governing Kenyan football (2019).”

Though FKF have insisted Mohammed will not attend, Murang’a Seal have maintained he will attend with or without the blessing of FKF. A statement from the club said: “To purport to do so is to violate the FKF constitution itself and make a mockery of the universal values of football. Therefore, our stand remains, Hussein (Mohammed) will represent Murang’a Seal at the forthcoming FKF AGM.”

Another presidential aspirant Tom Alila will not be able to attend after his efforts to represent Muhoroni Youth hit a snag. People Sports can reveal that Alila, a former FKF NEC member, had sought the assistance of Muhoroni owner Moses Adagala, to have his name forwarded to FKF but his pleas were turned down. Veteran administrator Sam Nyamweya, who is seeking a second term as the FKF president, will also not attend the meeting as Kisii-based Shabana, whom he serves as the patron, will be represented by its Organizing Secretary Stephen Kiama.

Twaha Mbarak, who is also seeking the top seat, has been overlooked by Bandari, who have sent their CEO Tony Kibwana. The ommisison have brought divisions at the club with Mbarak, a former FKF official, insisting he will attend the AGM. “Some people are suggesting that I will not attend the AGM, but that is not true, I am the one who will represent Bandari,” said Mbarak,” I want to state categorically that I will attend the FKF AGM as the representative of Bandari, I don’t need permission from FKF to do so because the law is very clear in article 23 of the FKF Constitution 2017.”

Meanwhile, Sam Ocholla, Gor Mahia CEO and presidential aspirant will also miss out on the AGM after the Premier League champions endorsed co-opted member Gerphas Okuku. Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino will not attend after his efforts to get the endorsement from Kisumu All Stars failed.