Ten FKF County Chairmen have shared their reasons for supporting the candidacies of Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa in the upcoming FKF national elections.Current Vice President Petra is looking to take over the reins of FKF’s leadership from her outgoing boss, Mwendwa, who is running as her deputy—a swap of their current roles.##NAJAVA_MECA_8508836##After the county polls held on Thursday, November 14th, 10 elected chairpersons revealed why they would support Team Blue, led by the duo, with the majority citing the development of women’s football.Speaking after the polls, Francis Oilele, who was elected chairman of Nakuru County, explained his reasons for supporting the duo.“Our support for Doris and Mwendwa stems from witnessing their significant contributions to Kenyan football over the past eight years. Petra’s advocacy for women’s space in football is commendable, and her loyal and effective service as Nick Mwendwa’s deputy has earned her support. The remarkable growth in Kenyan football over the past year is undeniable, and we believe that continuing on this trajectory requires the continued leadership of Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa. Team Blue’s support is not arbitrary; it’s rooted in a shared vision for the future of Kenyan football,” said Oilele.Kericho County Chairman Alfred Kirui, a close ally of Mwendwa, said he supports the duo for their management skills.“Our support for Doris and Nick extends beyond mere partisan loyalty. We recognize the significant progress made in football management and wholeheartedly endorse Team Blue’s vision for the future of football in Kenya,” said Kirui.Muguna calls on TV, radio stations to employ retired football playersJoshua Okwiry Ariko of the Eldoret Falcons, on his part, said that Petra’s victory would be a significant gain for the growth of women’s football.”My support for Doris Petra stems from her long-standing advocacy for women’s football. Her election as Deputy President, where she continued her tireless work, was a significant moment. Her election as FA President will mark a monumental victory for women’s football.”Mandera Chairman Issack Ismail, who won in the rescheduled elections on Saturday, also threw his weight behind Team Blue, saying that other candidates have questionable characters.“We have worked closely with Doris and Nick, and their commitment to football is clear. Attempts to introduce individuals with questionable backgrounds into the game are unacceptable. Team Blue’s vision is unwavering, and we won’t be swayed by those with dubious intentions,” he stated.His sentiments were echoed by Makueni County Chairman Samwel Mwongela, who said that unlike their main competitor, Team Fresh, their candidates had been actively involved in football management.“Members of FKF know fellow members. One cannot stay on the periphery and then, when elections are called, cheat their way into club membership, thinking that we do not know,” noted Mwongela.Star midfielder hints at Harambee Stars retirement after failed 2025 AFCON qualificationTurkana Chairman William Lokwee said that he wants to continue partnering with the duo to improve women’s football in his county.“The football for schools and women’s football campaign programs have revolutionized football in Turkana County. We have witnessed tremendous growth in the number of young girls and boys interested in the game. With Team Blue, we are going to continue to champion grassroots projects that uplift our community,” he remarked.Nyamira FKF County Chairman Vincent Nyasani, a confessed Team Blue member, took a swipe at their competitors while pledging his support to Petra/Mwendwa.“As a member of Team Blue, led by Doris and Nick, we have a shared vision that has clearly articulated our collective goals. Unlike other candidates who seem opportunistic, Team Blue’s commitment extends beyond the election cycle. Therefore, we are confident in our ability to achieve our shared objectives,” he stated.Kilifi Chairman Dickson Angore attributed his support to the development of football at the grassroots level. “Our focus is grassroots football development. Team Blue’s clear vision and long-term commitment set us apart from opportunistic candidates,” said Angore.My exit from Gor Mahia was ‘planned and premeditated’ – Neiva blames club politics and security concernsBomet Chairman David Siele also shared his Kilifi counterpart’s thoughts. “For years, we have invested in grassroots football through initiatives like Chapa Dimba, Football for Schools, women’s football campaigns, youth leagues, and other programs, yet many of these individuals remained disengaged, offering no support to grassroots football activities. Why should we trust them now, solely because of the upcoming FKF elections, when it’s clear they lack genuine interest in the sport?” he posed.Capping off the support was the newly elected Nairobi East Chairman, Dickson Doyo, a key pillar of Team Blue, who was confident in their victory.“Team Blue secured a decisive victory in this branch election, and I am incredibly proud of our hard work. Team Blue, led by Doris and Nick, has clearly won, and this is a significant milestone as we move forward to the next level,” said Doyo.The national elections that will determine the next FKF leadership will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024.Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee on why Harambee Stars failed to beat Zimbabwe
