Key figures in Kenyan football came together earlier today to voice their serious concerns about the leadership crisis in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). In a press conference, attended by notable stakeholders including former Kenyan international Dennis Oliech, former Gor Mahia coach John Bobby Ogolla, and former FIFA referee David Gikonyo amongst others, the urgent issues facing Kenyan football were laid bare.Hussein Mohammed, CEO of Extreme Sports Ltd, read a statement on behalf of all stakeholders, calling for immediate action. He urged the Government of Kenya, FIFA, CAF, and all related parties to ensure that fair and transparent elections are held promptly. The main aim, as per the statement, is to prevent “a few rogue officials” from holding the country’s football future hostage, especially with AFCON 2027 beckoning. “We cannot afford to let impunity rob us of this golden opportunity,” said Hussein Mohammed. “The world is watching, and it would be a disgrace if Kenya were to miss out on hosting AFCON 2027 due to the selfish actions of a few individuals who seek to remain in power indefinitely.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8103721##Excerpts of the main issues highlighted in the press confrenceThreat to AFCON 2027 HostingKenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, is set to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. This significant opportunity is now in jeopardy due to turmoil and lack of transparency in FKF’s leadership. The culture of intimidation, coercion, and impunity among FKF officials is a major concern.Election Delays and Legal Problems National elections for FKF are overdue, with various court cases stalling progress. Some current FKF officials have used legal tactics to stop the Annual General Meeting (AGM), threatening to derail the scheduled elections. The terms of all elected branch delegates end on September 18, 2024, raising the specter of a constitutional crisis if elections are not conducted in time. Advantage Gor Mahia as Tusker, Police falter in title racePotential FIFA SuspensionFIFA has warned FKF about a possible suspension due to ongoing administrative issues. A FIFA communiqué dated March 26, 2024, highlighted the risk of Kenya being banned from international football if the election crisis is not resolved.The stakeholders praised Dr. Paul Tergat, chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), for his initiative to bring all football stakeholders to the table. Despite the boycott by FKF leadership, this effort is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the crisis.Full statementWe stand before you on behalf of stakeholders in Kenyan football and passionate advocates for the future of our nation’s sport. Amongst us are elected FKF officials, Referees, Coaches and football administrators from across the country. Kenya, together with Uganda and Tanzania, was awarded the rights to host AFCON 2027—a unique opportunity to shine on the continental stage, invigorate numerous sectors of the Kenyan economy, and leave a legacy that will inspire generations. However, this special opportunity is now at grave risk. The turmoil, lack of transparency, and a pervasive culture of intimidation, coercion, impunity, and hubris in the top leadership of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) are now threatening our AFCON dream.Kenya is in the midst of a football crisis: National elections are overdue, and there are numerous court cases, including one that has halted the AGM from proceeding as scheduled. Litigation orchestrated by some of the current FKF officials. A full hardy exercise aimed at derailing the scheduled elections slated for later this year. It is imperative to note that the terms of office of all elected delegates at branch level comes to an end on the 18th of September 2024. With every passing day, the possibility of holding a free, fair and credible elections get slimmer. A constitutional crisis looms should we fail to hit the critical milestones set in the FKF constitution on matters governance and electioneering process. Simply put, there will be no delegates to participate in any elections come 18th September of this year.The failure to hold an AGM and provide a clear and honest roadmap for the upcoming elections is a threat to our AFCON 2027 host status. These elections are not just a procedural requirement; they are the foundation upon which our preparations for AFCON 2027 will stand. Without a newly elected and functioning FKF office, our dreams of hosting this prestigious tournament will crumble. In a recent communique from FIFA dated 26th March 2024, the FKF was formally warned about a possible suspension by the world governing body following the shenanigans that continue to bedevil the Kenyan federation.We share the deep concerns of many Kenyan football stakeholders. We cannot afford to let impunity rob us of this golden opportunity. The world is watching, and it would be a disgrace if Kenya were to miss out on hosting AFCON 2027 due to the selfishness of a few greedy, incompetent and clueless individuals who plan to stay in office for life by any and every means necessary, regardless of the cost to the country. Moreover, the FKF’s culture of intimidation, coercion and violations of fundamental human rights against those who seek transparency, freedom of association and accountability, further exacerbates the situation. This toxic environment, compounded by systemic impunity and hubris, undermines the integrity and potential of Kenyan football.We are here today to raise the red flag. We urge all stakeholders and this includes the delegates, clubs, Government of Kenya, FIFA and CAF to take decisive action now and make sure the country is not held at ransom by a few rogue individuals who are hell bent on destroying the future of millions of our youth.We take this opportunity to thank the chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), Dr. Paul Tergat for taking the initiative to convene all football stakeholders to the table with the aim of finding a breakthrough to this impasse. A bold and commendable step which is most welcomed by all well-meaning football administrators from across the board. FKF’s top official’s decision to boycott the event confirms their deceitfulness in this critical process. This is the time to put country first; let us not allow this moment to slip through our fingers. Let us unite, demand transparency, let us make football lucrative for all, and work together to secure our place as hosts of AFCON 2027. Good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability are our irreducible minimums. Kenya deserves nothing less.
