The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) County Level Elections concluded successfully on November 14, 2024, in most counties across Kenya. The results indicate a dominant performance by Team Blue, allies of FKF President Nick Mwendwa and Deputy Doris Petra, who swept 29 counties. This landslide victory positions them strongly ahead of the upcoming national elections, where Petra leads the presidential ticket with Mwendwa as her running mate.
In contrast, Team Fresh, led by Hussein Mohammed, managed to secure victories in 14 counties, falling significantly behind. The remaining three counties recorded mixed results, with notable influence from Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, who secured a single county victory. The battle for Nairobi’s branches resulted in a split, with Dickson Doyo of Team Blue winning Nairobi East and Team Fresh claiming Nairobi West.
Among the uncontested counties, four out of six chairpersons elected are aligned with the Petra-Mwendwa axis, further consolidating Team Blue’s lead. Key wins for Team Blue include Nairobi East under Doyo, Kitui with Swaleh Mohammed, Narok led by Peter Karino, and Kilifi with Dickson Kahindi. Other notable victories include Duncan Maganga in Taita Taveta, Alfred Kirui in Kericho, Eugine Okello in Busia, and Samson Lotian in West Pokot.
A broader look at the electoral map reveals that Team Blue emerged victorious in Bungoma, Kirinyaga, Makueni, Samburu, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Narok, Kisii, West Pokot, Kericho, Machakos, Bomet, Kwale, Siaya, Lamu, Busia, Uasin Gishu, Nairobi East, Kitui, Embu, Nyeri, Laikipia, Nakuru, Nyamira, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties. Many of the incumbent FKF county chairpersons retained their seats, demonstrating the continuity of support for the existing leadership. However, notable exceptions included Mombasa, where the chairperson lost to a Team Blue candidate, and Nandi, where an incumbent ally of Mwendwa also lost.
The election followed a High Court ruling earlier in the week that lifted conservatory orders, enabling the polls to proceed after an initial delay. Elections were conducted in multiple counties, with some recording challenges that necessitated repeat exercises. Counties such as Nyandarua and Vihiga will hold reruns for specific positions due to tied outcomes, while Homabay, Turkana, and Mandera elections were rescheduled.
Nyandarua will specifically conduct repeat polls for the Chairperson and Secretary positions, while Vihiga focuses on the Secretary role. These reruns are expected to address the unresolved positions and ensure comprehensive representation.
The elections, despite their challenges, signify a critical step in the FKF electoral process. Team Blue’s dominance in the county polls sets the stage for a highly anticipated national election, where the Petra-Mwendwa ticket appears to have the momentum. Their wide support across the counties, coupled with strong wins in traditionally competitive regions, underscores their growing influence within FKF.
Team Fresh and other factions, including Cleophas Shimanyula’s camp, face significant hurdles in bridging the gap created by Team Blue’s commanding lead. However, with several key counties yet to finalize their electoral processes, opportunities remain to challenge the current trajectory.
As the focus shifts to completing the remaining elections, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to ensure transparency and adherence to the electoral guidelines. The FKF elections are not only a test of organizational capacity but also a reflection of the dynamics shaping Kenyan football’s governance and future direction.
