For the first time ever, all the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidates will participate in a debate to defend their policies ahead of the December 7 elections.The debate, organized by Radio Jambo, will be held on October 25 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).##NAJAVA_MECA_8415851##This year’s elections have attracted the highest number of candidates showing interest in the top post.FKF Vice President Doris Petra, who was elevated to contest for the top position, is among the candidates invited to the debate. Petra has served for eight years under current President Nick Mwendwa, who will now deputize her in this year’s elections.Petra will be under pressure to defend her team’s eight-year tenure and explain why they deserve another four-year term. Petra is also set to make history by becoming the first female FKF President should she be elected in December.Former FKF Chief Executive Officer Barry Otieno is another presidential candidate participating in the debate. Otieno resigned from his lucrative position two weeks ago after holding it for five years, having risen from the position of Communications Manager.Firat in the dark as Harambee Stars gear up for CHAN qualifiersSources close to Otieno revealed that the former FKF CEO has the backing of Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, which gave him the confidence to enter the race.”In the days leading up to his resignation, he had several meetings with Murkomen, who assured him of his support,” said a source familiar with the situation.Two Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) officials, Sam Ocholla from Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, will also contest for the top post and will be at the debate to defend their candidacies.Extreme Sports founder Hussein Mohammed, a top contender for the position, is another candidate invited to the debate.Ligi Ndogo chairman Chris Amimo, former FKF President Sam Nyamweya, former Gor Mahia striker Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, and former FKF Nyanza National Executive member Tom Alila are also contenders.This year’s elections are especially crucial, coming two years before Kenya hosts the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time ever. The new office will have no time to rest, as they must immediately begin preparing for the tournament, which will be co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania.
