Petra Mwendwa’s alliance extended their dominance in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) county elections as Team Blue claimed victories in two of the three repeat polls held on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The elections, a follow-up to the tied results from the initial polls, saw allies of Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa consolidate their lead at the county level, reinforcing their grip on FKF leadership.
Ismael Mohammed Issack emerged victorious as the FKF Mandera County chairman, while William Lokwee triumphed in Turkana County. These wins bolstered Team Blue’s standing, showcasing their strong support in regions where no polls for the chairman position had been conducted initially. Meanwhile, in Nyandarua County, a heated contest culminated in victory for a candidate aligned with former county chairperson Lucy Kageni, now the running mate of FKF presidential candidate Barry Otieno.
Nyandarua’s election was fraught with controversy, as allegations of voter bribery and intimidation surfaced. Reports suggested that promises of bursary allocations were used to sway voters. The tense atmosphere prompted Governor Kiarie Badilisha to intervene and de-escalate the situation. A repeat vote was necessitated after candidates tied in the first round. Despite the contentious nature of the polls, Lucy Kageni’s ally managed to secure the chairperson seat, demonstrating a formidable challenge to Team Blue’s dominance.
Team Blue, however, remains the frontrunner in the FKF elections. The alliance, led by Doris Petra as the presidential candidate and Nick Mwendwa as her running mate, has already secured 31 county chairperson positions. Additionally, the group is projected to win at least one more seat from gray zones where voting outcomes are yet to be finalized. In contrast, their closest competitor, Hussein Mohammed, commands 14 counties, with the remaining gray zones also appearing to lean toward Team Blue.
The repeat elections in Turkana, Mandera, and Nyandarua counties played a pivotal role in solidifying Team Blue’s position. These regions have now joined the growing list of counties supporting Petra and Mwendwa. The coalition has established strongholds in the North Rift, coastal areas, and parts of the Mount Kenya region, where they have captured Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties. In Nyanza, five counties are also aligned with the Petra-Mwendwa axis, further cementing their influence.
Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, who is allied with Team Blue, has already secured one confirmed county chairperson vote and is likely to secure another from the gray areas. This scenario underscores the alliance’s ability to sway undecided regions and fortify its lead. Meanwhile, Hussein Mohammed’s camp faces an uphill battle to close the gap as Team Blue continues to expand its reach.
The FKF elections have demonstrated the complexities of county-level politics, where alliances, regional dynamics, and individual candidate popularity significantly impact outcomes. Team Blue’s commanding performance reflects their strategic organization and widespread grassroots support. However, allegations of election malpractices in counties like Nyandarua highlight the challenges of ensuring fair and transparent processes.
As the polls near their conclusion, Team Blue’s momentum positions Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa as the favorites to lead the FKF. Their coalition’s ability to secure widespread support across diverse regions of the country underscores their appeal and organizational strength. Whether they can maintain this momentum and address concerns raised during the election process remains a critical aspect of their leadership trajectory.
