Less than 24 hours after Barry Otieno stepped down from his role as the CEO of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), a striking and controversial incident unfolded on social media. The official Harambee Stars X (formerly Twitter) account posted a tweet that appeared to harshly criticize the former CEO, sparking widespread reactions. Although the tweet was quickly deleted, its content left a lasting impression.
The tweet, which called Otieno a “toxic bully” and a “top-notch liar,” seemed to reflect deep-seated frustrations that had been simmering among the staff at FKF. This outburst came as a shock to many who had not previously seen public criticisms of Otieno during his tenure. However, the sudden departure and the nature of the post brought to light some of the underlying tensions that had evidently been present but unspoken.
The timing of the tweet couldn’t have been more dramatic. Otieno had only just announced his resignation, and the football community was still processing the news. Having served as CEO for five years, Otieno’s departure marked the end of an era, and many were expecting reflections on his leadership. Instead, the unfiltered criticism from the official Harambee Stars account added a new layer to the narrative surrounding his resignation.
The FKF’s response to the incident was swift. In a formal apology posted on the same account, the organization claimed that the tweet had been the result of a hack, distancing itself from the harsh statements. The apology assured the public that immediate action had been taken, including updating the account’s login credentials. While this explanation was meant to calm the situation, not everyone was convinced that the post was merely the result of a hack. The language used in the tweet and the personal nature of the comments led some to speculate that the post reflected the genuine feelings of certain employees within FKF.
The discontent with Otieno’s leadership, which had largely remained behind closed doors, now seemed to be bubbling to the surface. There had been growing murmurs of dissatisfaction at Kandanda House, FKF’s headquarters, but no one had publicly voiced these concerns until now. The outburst on social media, albeit unauthorized, suggested that there was more to Otieno’s departure than met the eye.
Otieno himself had given no indication that he was leaving under a cloud of controversy. In his farewell statement, he expressed gratitude to the entire football community for their support throughout his tenure. He specifically thanked FKF President Nick Mwendwa, the organization’s delegates, staff, and various stakeholders for their collaboration in advancing Kenyan football. According to Otieno, the FKF had made significant strides in football development during his leadership, and he was proud of the progress they had achieved together.
Despite the polite tone of his farewell, the tweet incident painted a different picture. It hinted at internal discord and dissatisfaction that had not been addressed publicly. The contrasting narratives—Otieno’s positive farewell message and the venomous tweet—left many wondering what had truly been happening behind the scenes at FKF.
Otieno’s journey within FKF had begun long before he became CEO. He initially joined the federation as the head of communication, a role that positioned him as the public face of the organization. His communication skills and his ability to navigate the complex world of football governance in Kenya earned him respect within the organization. In 2019, following the resignation of then-CEO Robert Muthomi, Otieno was promoted to CEO. Muthomi had stepped down amidst controversy surrounding a transfer deal involving former Sofapaka striker John Avire. Otieno’s promotion was seen as a stabilizing move for FKF at the time.
However, over the years, Otieno’s leadership became a subject of internal debate. While he was credited with steering the organization through some turbulent times, including Kenya’s suspension by FIFA in 2022 over government interference, his management style reportedly rubbed some employees the wrong way. The tweet, therefore, might have been the first public indication of discontent that had been brewing beneath the surface.
As news of Otieno’s resignation spread, speculation about his next move began to swirl. Some suggested that he might be eyeing a return to football governance in another capacity. There were even rumors that either Otieno or FKF Vice President Doris Petra might be considering a run for the FKF presidency. With FKF elections fast approaching, these rumors gained traction, although neither Otieno nor Petra had publicly confirmed any such intentions.
The upcoming FKF elections, scheduled for later this month, are shaping up to be highly contentious. FKF President Nick Mwendwa is reportedly seeking a third term in office, a move that has already sparked controversy. Mwendwa’s leadership has been marked by both achievements and scandals, and his decision to pursue another term has divided opinion within the football community. Supporters of Mwendwa argue that he has been instrumental in promoting Kenyan football, especially at the grassroots level. However, his detractors point to the numerous controversies that have plagued his tenure, including the FIFA suspension and allegations of financial mismanagement.
The FKF’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is nearing the end of its current term, which officially concludes on October 17. This has set the stage for election campaigns, with various factions vying for influence within the organization. Last month, the terms of the FKF branches came to an end, and the FKF Electoral Board was established to oversee the election process. As election day approaches, tensions are expected to rise, with different candidates positioning themselves to challenge Mwendwa’s leadership.
In the midst of this political jockeying, the departure of Barry Otieno adds yet another twist to the unfolding drama within FKF. While he has not officially declared his candidacy for any position, the rumors surrounding his future role in football governance have kept his name in the spotlight. Some see Otieno as a potential reformer who could bring a fresh perspective to FKF, while others view him as too closely tied to the controversies of the past.
Doris Petra, FKF’s Vice President, is another figure whose name has been mentioned in discussions about the future leadership of the organization. As one of the highest-ranking officials within FKF, Petra has played a key role in the organization’s operations, particularly in the absence of the president during periods of suspension or controversy. If she were to run for president, Petra would likely position herself as a continuity candidate, offering stability and experience in an organization that has seen its fair share of upheaval.
For now, the football community in Kenya is left to speculate about what comes next. The social media incident involving the Harambee Stars account has raised questions about the internal dynamics at FKF and whether there are deeper issues that need to be addressed. The tweet may have been deleted, but its impact lingers, serving as a reminder that not everything is as harmonious as it may seem on the surface.
As the FKF elections approach, the organization finds itself at a crossroads. Will it continue under the leadership of Nick Mwendwa, or will a new figure emerge to take the helm? And what role, if any, will Barry Otieno play in the future of Kenyan football? These are the questions that will shape the next chapter of FKF’s history, and the answers will likely emerge in the coming weeks as the election campaigns heat up.
In the meantime, the apology from FKF regarding the rogue tweet has done little to quell the speculation. While the organization insists that the incident was the result of a hack, many within the football community remain skeptical. Whether or not the post was truly unauthorized, it has brought to light the fact that there are tensions within FKF that need to be addressed.
As Barry Otieno steps away from his role as CEO, his legacy within FKF will be debated for years to come. Some will remember him as a capable administrator who helped navigate the organization through challenging times. Others will focus on the criticisms of his leadership style, particularly in light of the social media controversy. Ultimately, Otieno’s time at FKF will be judged not just by the progress made during his tenure, but also by how the organization moves forward in the wake of his departure.
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