The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is under intense scrutiny as the Sports Registrar has released damning verdict on the eligibility of its current leadership, including President Nick Mwendwa, Deputy President Doris Petra, and other National Executive Council (NEC) members, to contest in the forthcoming elections slated for October.In a letter dated February 1, 2024, the Sports Registrar reprimands the FKF for its disregard of legal mandates, particularly the stipulations outlined in the Sports Act. According to the Registrar, the current FKF leadership, having already served two terms, is ineligible to vie for re-election, in accordance with the Sports Act No. 25 of 2013.The Registrar’s communication comes in response to the FKF’s Press Release on January 6, 2024, announcing the commencement of the electoral process using the FKF Electoral Code (2020). However, this move by the FKF was seen as a direct contradiction to previous directives emphasizing adherence to constitutional principles and legal frameworks. Salomon Kalou: Ivory Coast’s experience key to AFCON 2023 triumph”It is obvious in your Press Release that you totally ignored my previous communication to you that the rule of law needs to be the basis of the upcoming elections to avoid legal battles like the ones we had in previous elections including the ones held in October 2020 and February 2016,” the Sports Registrar’s letter stated.”Of importance is your refusal to adhere to the general principles of Article 81 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Section 47 of the Sports Act No. 25 of 2013,” the letter continued.”I wish to remind you that your current leadership including yourself [Mr. Barry Otieno], President Nick Mwendwa, Deputy president Doris Petra, and the National Executive Council members are not eligible to vie in the upcoming polls set for October 2024 having already served 2 terms as it is supposed to be according to the Sports Act,” the Registrar emphasized.”The failure to uphold these legal standards jeopardizes the integrity of football governance in Kenya and undermines the democratic principles upon which our sporting institutions should be founded,” the Registrar further pointed out.##NAJAVA_MECA_7861330##Furthermore, the Sports Registrar outlined various irregularities observed in previous FKF elections, including failures to adhere to constitutional principles, use of non-registered entities for voting, and lack of submission of required documents to the Sports Registrar.The Registrar urged the FKF to rectify these discrepancies and ensure that the upcoming elections comply with legal requirements, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness. Failure to do so, the Registrar warned, could result in the rejection or cancellation of the elections or even the removal of officials whose terms have ended to prevent the recurrence of legal disputes. How coach Godfrey “Solo” Oduor was arrested amidst financial dispute with FKFAs the Sports Registrar’s assertions ignite a legal firestorm within the FKF, the federation faces mounting pressure to address these concerns promptly and to ensure a fair and lawful electoral process in October.
