Barring any court injunctions or unforeseen interruptions, Kenya will have a new Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president by 2 PM on Saturday 7 December when 90 delegates head to the ballot to elect a new leader.The election will mark the end of Nick Mwendwa’s eight-year tenure as the federation’s president. Mwendwa, who succeeded Sam Nyamweya, successfully defended his seat in 2020, although with relative ease.##NAJAVA_MECA_8547495##On Saturday, he will hand over the reins to the new president but could return as vice president if Doris Petra, who currently deputizes him, emerges victorious.Apart from the president and deputy president, delegates will also vote to elect the ten members of the National Executive Committee.Let us take a closer look at the eight presidential hopefuls seeking to succeed Mwendwa:Doris Petra##NAJAVA_MECA_8547662##A long-serving football administrator, Petra is the outgoing FKF vice president and is aiming to make history as the first woman to lead football in Kenya.With nearly two decades of experience in the sport, she previously served as a member of the National Executive Committee under Sam Nyamweya before being elected vice president.Her campaign focuses on advancing women’s football and strengthening youth football structures. If elected, Mwendwa will serve as her deputy.Michira strikes late to spare Shabana’s blushes against Posta RangersHussein MohamedAs CEO of Extreme Sports, Mohamed has spent the past year campaigning to rejuvenate Kenyan football. He previously ran for the presidency in 2011, losing to Sam Nyamweya, and hopes to be lucky this time round.Mohamed has served on the Harambee Stars board and is widely recognized for organizing the Extreme Sports tournaments in Nairobi. He will be deputized by former Kenya international MacDonald Mariga.Barry OtienoOtieno, the former FKF CEO, held the position from 2019 until recently. This will be his first attempt at an elective position. His campaign is based on the “Beyond the Pitch” initiative, and he has pledged to focus on football’s growth and governance.He will be deputized by Lucy Kaiga, the former Nyandarua Branch chairperson.Masava targets ten goals after scoring debut league screamer for HomeboyzChris AmimoThe proprietor of Ligi Ndogo, Amimo is running for the FKF presidency for the first time. He has previously served as a Nairobi NEC member and is currently the chairperson of the FKF Youth Committee.His running mate will be Anthony Makau, a former interim NEC member for Eastern Region.Sammy ‘Owino’ KempesA former Kenya international based in the US, Kempes is seeking an elective position in Kenyan football for the first time. He was part of the successful Gor Mahia team of 1987.His deputy will be Evance Kadenge, the chairman of Nzoia Sugar FC and also a former player.Kenya to grace CAF African Schools Football Championship qualifiers in UgandaTom AlilaAlila is another first-time candidate, though he has previously served as a Nyanza region NEC member and ran unsuccessfully for the Nairobi NEC position in 2016.He will be deputized by former referee Beryl Adhiambo.Cleophas ShimanyulaShimanyula, the proprietor and chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz FC, is making his first foray into FKF politics.The wealthy businessman has promised substantial benefits for all stakeholders if elected. Twaha Mbarak, a former FKF vice president, will deputize him.Sam OchollaThe current Gor Mahia Secretary General is making his presidential bid in FKF politics for the first time. He is also serving his first term as Gor Mahia SG.His running mate will be Willis Waliaula, a former team manager for Harambee Stars, Sofapaka, Posta Rangers, AFC Leopards, and Tusker FC.The outcome of this election will set the course for the future of Kenyan football.
