Hussein Mohammed, one of the leading candidates for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency, has opted out of the first-ever FKF Presidential Debate scheduled for Friday, October 25, 2024. Mohammed’s decision comes despite the high expectations surrounding the event, which aims to provide candidates with a platform to share their vision for the future of Kenyan football.
Hussein, who has chosen former Inter Milan star McDonald Mariga as his running mate, has announced his withdrawal from the debate, citing a congested campaign schedule. His statement clarified that his ongoing engagements with various football stakeholders across the country made it challenging for him to attend the event.
The debate is organized by Capemedia in collaboration with TV47 and Radio Jambo and will take place at the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA). It is intended to give the nine presidential aspirants an opportunity to articulate their policies and plans for improving the state of football in Kenya. The stakes are high, as the incoming president will face the immediate task of preparing Kenya for its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, which will be co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania in 2026.
While Hussein’s absence from the debate has drawn attention, he has expressed openness to participating in future forums before the December 7 elections. In his statement, he emphasized his understanding of the importance of debates in shaping public opinion and reiterated his willingness to engage in other platforms that may arise before election day.
The upcoming FKF election has attracted significant public interest due to the challenges facing Kenyan football, including the need for reform and preparation for major international tournaments. Several aspirants are in the running to replace the current FKF president, Nick Mwendwa. Among the candidates are Doris Petra, who was promoted to run for the top position with Mwendwa stepping back, Barry Otieno, Chris Amimo, Sammy Owino, Sam Nyamweya, Sam Ochola, Cleophas Shimanyula, and Tom Alila.
This election marks a critical moment for Kenyan football, as fans and stakeholders are eager to see how the next FKF administration will address key issues, including poor management, funding challenges, and the need to nurture young talent. The debate at CUEA was expected to offer insights into each candidate’s strategy for tackling these concerns and preparing the national team for the 2026 AFCON.
Hussein Mohammed’s partnership with Mariga has generated buzz, with their campaign focusing on transforming the football landscape by drawing from Mariga’s experience as a professional footballer. Both men have pledged to revitalize grassroots football, improve the FKF’s financial transparency, and ensure that Kenyan clubs and players are better represented in regional and continental competitions.
As the clock ticks toward the December 7 elections, the candidates will continue their efforts to win over the public and key stakeholders. Kenyan football enthusiasts will be closely following each aspirant’s promises and strategies to see who is best suited to take the reins of the FKF. The new leadership will have little time to settle in, with the immediate priority being the AFCON preparations.
The election process itself is under the spotlight, given the controversies that have plagued the FKF in recent years. The transition to new leadership will be critical in rebuilding trust among players, clubs, and supporters, all of whom are eager to see meaningful progress.
The absence of one of the front runners, Hussein Mohammed, from the inaugural debate has sparked discussion about his campaign strategy. While some may view his decision as a missed opportunity to engage with the public directly, others understand his focus on grassroots outreach. However, his commitment to future debates suggests that he is still keen to share his vision for Kenyan football with the public and stakeholders.
With a crowded field of aspirants, each presenting distinct policies, the competition for the FKF presidency is expected to be fierce. As the debate unfolds without Hussein, other candidates will take center stage to present their ideas on reforming Kenyan football and restoring its former glory. This election offers a rare opportunity to set the sport on a new path, and the incoming president will need to act swiftly and decisively to implement reforms and achieve meaningful change.
In the coming weeks, the campaigns will intensify as the candidates attempt to solidify their support bases. Each aspirant faces the challenge of convincing both fans and stakeholders that they are capable of leading the federation through a crucial period in Kenyan football history. All eyes will remain on the campaigns, debates, and engagements leading up to the December 7 polls.
The FKF’s next chapter begins with this election, and the leadership team that emerges victorious will carry the hopes and expectations of an entire nation. Fans are hopeful that the chosen president will be someone with the vision, experience, and dedication needed to elevate Kenyan football to new heights, especially with the historic AFCON co-hosting opportunity just around the corner.
