As the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential elections draw closer, the race to take over the helm of the country’s football governing body is heating up. The December 7 elections have already stirred a storm, with presidential aspirants raising serious concerns about potential electoral malpractices. These concerns were aired during a press briefing held in Nairobi on Thursday, where prominent football figures and candidates expressed the need for a transparent and fair electoral process.
The aspirants present at the press briefing included former Harambee Stars players, football administrators, and stakeholders who have long been involved in Kenyan football. Among them were Hussein Mohamed, Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’, former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, former Harambee Stars midfielder MacDonald Mariga, and Kenyan Premier League CEO Jack Oguda. Other notable figures who attended the event were former FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) member Tom Alila, Twaha Mbarak, former Harambee Stars striker Sammy Sholei, Taiwo Atieno, Gor Mahia CEO Sam Ocholla, and Charles Njoroge.
The aspirants, speaking with a unified voice, emphasized the urgent need for the election to be overseen by an independent body that would ensure transparency and fairness. Their demands reflect the ongoing challenges within the FKF, as they seek to restore credibility and integrity in the country’s football leadership.
Key Aspirants’ Concerns
At the heart of the candidates’ grievances is the call for an election that upholds the core values of democracy—free, fair, and all-inclusive. The aspirants argue that only a credible electoral process can bring meaningful change to Kenyan football, which has faced numerous setbacks over the years. These setbacks include financial mismanagement, a decline in football standards, and the failure of national teams to perform on the international stage.
MacDonald Mariga, a former Inter Milan star and the only East African to ever win a UEFA Champions League medal, was vocal in his demand for fairness. Mariga has used his platform to emphasize his desire for a “fresh start” in Kenyan football. His experience as a player, having competed at the highest levels of European football, gives him unique insight into what it takes to run a football federation. He highlighted the gap between the current state of the FKF and what it should aspire to be.
“What we need is free, credible, and fair elections. It’s an advantage that I have played soccer, and I know what the players need. I also know how the Football Federation should run, and we have not yet reached that level,” Mariga said.
He also expressed his aspiration to reinvigorate Kenyan football, which has seen a steady decline in fan engagement. “For now, we want a fresh start, and the fresh start should include us who have experienced playing football. If I get the chance, I want football to return to Kenya, and our football fans should return to loving Kenyan football.”
The Need for Grassroots Empowerment
Jack Oguda, the Kenyan Premier League CEO and another prominent aspirant, focused on the structural issues that have crippled football development in Kenya. According to Oguda, the lack of revenue in the leagues is a significant problem. The absence of financial backing for clubs has made it challenging for the sport to grow. Without sufficient funding, local leagues cannot be competitive or attractive to top talent, leading to poor performance on both the domestic and international stages.
“There is no revenue coming into the league, lack of finances to run the clubs, and these are some of the challenges that make me feel that we need to do something and change the game,” Oguda said during the press briefing.
He also stressed the importance of grassroots empowerment, which he believes is the foundation for developing a sustainable football ecosystem. By focusing on the grassroots level, Oguda believes that revenue can be injected into the leagues, helping clubs and players alike.
“My campaign is that we work together and make Kenyan Football great. Our senior national teams should participate in the World Cup and Afcon. I decided to take this route because I believe we can achieve this,” Oguda added.
Demands for Electoral Reform
The aspirants’ primary demand is that an independent electoral body take over the election process to prevent any interference or manipulation. This is especially significant given the history of FKF elections, which have been marred by allegations of irregularities and controversies. The candidates believe that an external body, with no ties to the current FKF leadership, will ensure a transparent process.
One of the central issues raised during the briefing was the role of FKF General Secretary Barry Otieno and president Nicholas Mwendwa in the electoral process. The aspirants are adamant that both individuals should be barred from participating in any role related to the upcoming elections. They argue that their involvement would compromise the integrity of the process, given their positions in the current FKF administration.
The aspirants also raised concerns about the Electoral Board operating from Kandanda House, the FKF headquarters. They believe that conducting electoral business from the federation’s offices creates a conflict of interest and opens the door to potential manipulation. The aspirants have called for the Electoral Board to relocate its operations to a neutral venue, where the process can be monitored without bias.
“There has already been a deliberate attempt to sabotage the entire process, and we believe this is partly due to the current location,” one of the aspirants stated.
Challenges Facing Kenyan Football
Kenyan football has faced numerous challenges over the years, many of which stem from poor leadership and mismanagement. The national teams, particularly the Harambee Stars, have struggled to make an impact in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup. This decline has also affected fan engagement, with many Kenyans losing interest in local football due to the poor performance of clubs and national teams.
The FKF, under the leadership of Nicholas Mwendwa, has been embroiled in controversy. Mwendwa’s tenure has been marked by allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and failure to deliver on promises to improve Kenyan football. These issues have prompted calls for change, and the upcoming elections are seen as an opportunity to usher in new leadership that can restore confidence in the federation.
Aspirants like Mariga and Oguda believe that by focusing on grassroots development and creating a transparent governance structure, Kenyan football can once again become a source of pride for the nation. The need for financial transparency, investment in youth development programs, and proper management of the league system are all critical elements of their campaign platforms.
Looking Ahead to the Elections
As the December 7 elections approach, the FKF presidential race promises to be highly competitive, with candidates from diverse backgrounds vying for the top position. Each aspirant brings unique perspectives and experiences to the table, and their vision for the future of Kenyan football is shaped by their respective journeys within the sport.
However, the concerns raised during the Thursday press briefing signal that the road to the elections will not be smooth. The demands for an independent electoral body, the barring of key FKF officials from the process, and the relocation of the Electoral Board all highlight the deep-seated mistrust within the football fraternity.
It remains to be seen how the FKF and the government will respond to these demands. For Kenyan football fans, the hope is that the election process will be free from the controversies of the past and that it will mark the beginning of a new era for the sport in the country.
Conclusion
The upcoming FKF presidential elections represent a critical moment for Kenyan football. With a growing list of aspirants calling for reforms and a fresh start, the elections are poised to shape the future of the sport. The demands made by the aspirants for a fair, transparent, and independent electoral process reflect the broader desire for change within the football community.
As the candidates continue their campaigns, the football fraternity and the nation will be watching closely to see whether these elections can finally deliver the leadership that Kenyan football so desperately needs.
