Transparency Concerns Loom Over FKF Presidential Race as Aspirants Demand Electoral Reforms

The upcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections, set for December 7, 2024, have become a focal point of discussion in the Kenyan sports community. One of the key presidential aspirants, Hussein Mohammed, has raised significant concerns regarding the transparency of the Electoral Board in charge of overseeing the process. Mohammed’s concerns come at a time when the stakes are high, and several other aspirants have also expressed unease about the manner in which the elections are being organized.

The Electoral Board was announced on September 26, 2024, and consists of Hesborn Owilla as the chairperson, lawyer Marceline Sande as the board’s Secretary General, and members such as former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mule, James Waindi, and Alfred Ng’ang’a. From its inception, this board has been met with criticism, particularly concerning issues of transparency and accountability, which have now been amplified by Mohammed.

Hussein Mohammed, who leads Extreme Sports and has been actively involved in football development, has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the board’s operations. Speaking to Citizen TV, Mohammed emphasized that time is running out, and the lack of clear communication from the board is causing increasing concern among stakeholders. He highlighted three key issues that, according to him, require immediate attention from the board to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

Firstly, Mohammed questioned the location of the polling centers for the upcoming election. This is a crucial detail that all stakeholders, including voters, candidates, and football clubs, need to know well in advance to make necessary preparations. Secondly, he raised concerns about the verification process, asking whether the board is taking steps to engage with the grassroots to verify voter information and ensure that the voter register is accurate and inclusive. Lastly, Mohammed sought clarification on the format of petitions that the board will accept from branches that are dissatisfied with the voter register, indicating that there may already be underlying discontent in certain regions.

Transparency is a cornerstone of any democratic process, and Mohammed’s insistence that the board be clear in its communication and actions reflects the broader sentiment that the electoral process must be conducted in a manner that inspires confidence in its legitimacy. Without this, there is a risk that the outcome of the election could be contested, potentially leading to further instability in Kenyan football.

Mohammed is not the only candidate to express concerns about the Electoral Board. Other aspirants have also echoed his sentiments, signaling a growing sense of unease about the way the elections are being organized. One of these is Tom Alila, a fellow presidential candidate, who has taken issue with the fact that the board’s base of operations is located at Kandanda House, an FKF premise. Alila and other critics argue that this could present a conflict of interest, as the FKF has been at the center of controversy in recent years, and the location could raise questions about the board’s impartiality.

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Adding to the chorus of voices calling for changes, Twaha Mbarak, the vice-chairman of Bandari FC and the running mate of another presidential candidate, Cleophas Shimanyula, also spoke out about the issue. During the launch of their campaign on October 6, 2024, Mbarak joined the call for the board to change its base of operations to a neutral location to avoid any perception of bias or favoritism.

Cleophas Shimanyula, the chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz, is among the high-profile candidates vying for the FKF presidency. His entry into the race, alongside his running mate Twaha Mbarak, signals a highly competitive election. Shimanyula’s bid has gained attention due to his strong connections to grassroots football and his successful tenure at Kakamega Homeboyz, a club that has risen to prominence under his leadership.

The FKF presidential race has attracted a wide array of candidates, all with varying backgrounds in Kenyan football. Former Kenyan Premier League CEO Jack Oguda, another prominent name in the race, brings a wealth of experience from his time overseeing the country’s top football competition. Oguda’s candidacy is expected to draw support from sections of the football community that favor experienced football administrators.

Tom Alila, who has already raised transparency concerns, is another notable aspirant. He has been involved in football administration for years and has a deep understanding of the inner workings of the FKF. His candidacy, like Mohammed’s, is centered on ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

Other candidates include Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, a former Gor Mahia player, who is well-known for his contributions to Kenyan football during his playing days. Owino’s candidacy has been met with enthusiasm from fans who remember his contributions on the pitch, and he has positioned himself as a candidate who understands the game from a player’s perspective.

Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ochola has also thrown his hat into the ring, bringing with him the backing of one of Kenya’s most popular and successful football clubs. Gor Mahia has a large and passionate fan base, and Ochola’s candidacy is expected to garner significant support from within the club and its followers.

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As the election date approaches, the FKF presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With a mix of experienced football administrators, former players, and club officials all vying for the top position, the outcome is far from certain. However, the concerns about the transparency and impartiality of the Electoral Board could overshadow the electoral process if not addressed promptly.

The concerns raised by Hussein Mohammed, Tom Alila, and other candidates underscore the need for the Electoral Board to take swift action to reassure all stakeholders that the process will be conducted fairly. This includes providing clear communication about the location of polling centers, ensuring that the voter register is accurate and inclusive, and addressing any petitions from dissatisfied branches in a transparent and consistent manner.

The FKF elections come at a critical time for Kenyan football. The sport has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and infighting among football officials. The outcome of the elections will determine the future direction of the sport in the country, and it is crucial that the process is seen as legitimate by all involved.

One of the key issues that the new FKF president will need to address is the development of grassroots football. Over the years, there has been a growing sense that Kenyan football has failed to tap into its vast pool of young talent, particularly in rural areas. Many candidates, including Hussein Mohammed, have emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots football to ensure that the next generation of players has the opportunity to develop and compete at the highest levels.

Another major challenge facing the incoming president will be the financial stability of Kenyan football. The FKF has faced financial difficulties in recent years, with clubs struggling to pay players and maintain operations. Addressing these financial issues will be critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport in Kenya.

The new president will also need to work on restoring the credibility of the FKF. The organization has been embroiled in several controversies over the years, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Rebuilding trust in the organization will be essential to uniting the football community and moving the sport forward.

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As the election date draws closer, all eyes will be on the Electoral Board and the candidates to see how the process unfolds. The concerns raised about transparency and impartiality cannot be ignored, and it is up to the board to ensure that the elections are conducted in a manner that is fair and inclusive. Kenyan football is at a crossroads, and the outcome of the elections will have a lasting impact on the sport’s future in the country.

In conclusion, the FKF elections are shaping up to be a defining moment for Kenyan football. With multiple candidates expressing concerns about the transparency of the process, it is clear that the Electoral Board has a significant responsibility to ensure a fair and impartial election. The stakes are high, and the future of the sport in Kenya depends on the outcome of these elections. Whether it is Hussein Mohammed, Cleophas Shimanyula, Jack Oguda, or another candidate who ultimately wins, the new president will face significant challenges in restoring the credibility of the FKF and revitalizing football in Kenya.