FKF presidential candidate Doris Petra and her running mate Nick Mwendwa received a boost after a High Court sitting in Naivasha on Friday dismissed a petition that sought to block their candidature in the upcoming FKF national elections.Outgoing FKF Nyamira branch chair Luthers Mokua sought three prayers from the court that were all dismissed by Lady Justice Grace Nzioka, paving the way for the Team Blue flag bearers to head to the polls.In his first prayer, Mokua wanted the court to quash the decision of the FKF Electoral Board who were the first respondents to publish the names of the two as presidential candidates in the upcoming polls.Latest update on Kasarani Stadium renovations [PHOTOS]The second prayer by Mokua was that the court declare Nick Mwendwa who was the third respondent ineligible to vie for the FKF Vice President position in the Saturday 7 December 2024 polls or any other date.The former Wazito FC CEO also prayed that the court declare article 43(3) of the FKF constitution 2017 as inconsistent with the provisions of section 46(5) of the Sports Act No. 25 of 2013 and therefore null and void.The court in its own wisdom said the first prayer was unmerited while the second was interpreted as ‘normally futuristic’ and thus not applicable to an ongoing process.##NAJAVA_MECA_8538318##The petitioner failed to convince the court on the grounds of his third prayer with the court noting that the dispute resolution mechanisms prescribed in the FKF Constitution were not exhausted.Just like the senate, the court also relied on article 37(f) of the FKF constitution that allows all NEC members to only serve for a maximum of two terms in one position and may vie for any other position after that.”Thereafter, one is free to seek election in a different position as it shall count as a new term of office in its own right.”Robert Matano slams goalkeeper after costly mistake in Sofapaka defeatPresidential candidate Doris Petra who is the current FKF Vice President welcomed the court’s decision saying the petition was meant to distract their candidature and was bullish of victory.“We are happy that justice has prevailed. This case was supposed to distract us but we stayed put and continued engaging the delegates because we knew what to focus on. We thank our lawyers for not only doing their well-done job but also helping in the bringing clarity of the law on this matter.##NAJAVA_MECA_8538313##We are now energized more than ever heading to the December 7 elections. We are confident of winning so that we can put this process behind us and concentrate on building the beautiful game,” said Petra.On his part, Japheth Ochutsi of Ochutsi Munyendo & Co. Advocates who was Petra and Mwendwa’s advocate explained the court’s decision.“The ex parte applicant Luthers Mokua, the dethroned FKF Nyamira branch chair failed to convince the honourable court that the joint candidature of Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa was inconsistent with the provisions Sports Act, Sports Registrar’s Regulations of 2016, the FKF Constitution, the constitution of Kenya and any other enabling provisions of law,” said Ochutsi.Former Mathare defender wins case against match fixing suspensionOchutsi who welcomed the court’s decision to dismiss the petition with costs was equally satisfied with the decision to find the FKF constitution faultless.“The net effect is that when called upon to impeach the said candidature, the court downed its tools, seeing no fault on provisions of FKF constitution that Doris and Nick’s candidacy is hinged on,” added Ochutsi who is popularly known as Chu Tsi.It is now all systems go with the presidential campaigns on a homestretch ahead of the national elections that will be held on Saturday 7 December 2024 to pick Nick Mwendwa’s successor.##NAJAVA_MECA_8538323##The FKF Presidential elections have attracted eight candidates; Doris Petra, Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed, Chris Amimo, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas ‘Toto’ Shimanyula, Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, Tom Alila, Gor Mahia CEO Sam Ocholla and former FKF CEO Barry Otieno.
