After months of legal wrangling and delays, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections were finally conducted this year, ushering in new leadership and offering hope for a fresh chapter in Kenyan football.Hussein Mohammed, CEO of Extreme Sports, emerged as the FKF President, succeeding Nick Mwendwa in a hotly contested race held on December 7 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. Former international footballer McDonald Mariga was elected Vice President, completing the new leadership team.##NAJAVA_MECA_8586415##The road to the elections was turbulent, marked by court cases that had previously stalled the process and jeopardized Kenya’s standing with FIFA. While most regions managed to hold their elections, Nyamira and Homa Bay Counties remain pending due to ongoing court injunctions. Despite these challenges, the branch election stalemate was resolved, allowing the polls to proceed on November 14, paving the way for the national elections.Hussein’s victory over seven other candidates underscored his appeal to delegates seeking change. His competitors included notable figures such as Doris Petra (former deputy president), Barry Otieno (former CEO), Cleophas Shimanyula (Kakamega Homeboyz chairman), Sam Ochola (Gor Mahia General Secretary), Tom Alila (former NEC member), Sammy Owino (former international), and Chris Amimo (Ligi Ndogo proprietor). The elections also ushered in a new National Executive Committee (NEC), with only two incumbents retaining their seats: Gabriel Mghendi (Coast Region) and Bernard Lagat (Upper Rift).The elections were not without controversy. Allegations of voter bribery, coercion, and state interference surfaced, with reports of factions booking delegates into hotels to secure their votes. Despite these claims, the process concluded successfully, and by 6 PM on election day, FKF had a new president.Ambani tips Tusker forward Ryan Ogam to break league’s goal-scoring recordIn his acceptance speech, Mohammed expressed gratitude and outlined his vision for Kenyan football:“Thank you to all the delegates who believed in the Fresh Start team and voted for change. This is not just our victory – it’s a victory for every player, fan, club, and supporter who dreams of a better future for our game. The work of rebuilding Kenyan football begins now. Together we will restore pride, nurture talent, and rekindle the passion that unites us all. Asanteni sana for making it possible.”Outgoing President Mwendwa, who deputized Petra during the elections, alleged widespread rigging and state interference. Speaking to SportsBoom, he stated:“I have no doubt in my mind that these elections were rigged. From the very beginning, the process was flawed. You had certain people getting access to voter rolls and using their influence to sway votes. Some delegates were deliberately blocked from attending the polls, while others were coerced into voting a particular way. This is not democracy—this is a farce.”Former Harambee Stars assistant coach set to join Luanda VillaDespite the controversy, the new NEC represents a diverse mix of regions and voices, including:President: Hussein Mohammed, Vice President: McDonald Mariga, Western: Caleb Amwayi, Coast: Gabriel Mghendi, Nyanza: Collins Opiyo Kalee, Eastern: Charles Njoka, Upper Rift Valley: Bernard LagatNairobi: Dan Shikanda, North Eastern: Ahmedqadar Mohammed Dabar, Lower Rift Valley: Peter Kamau, Central: Robert Macharia, Women Representative: Violet Kerubo MomanyiHussein’s agenda is ambitious. Among his immediate priorities are appointing a new head coach to prepare the national team for the CHAN tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in February, and securing sponsorships for Kenyan leagues.Additionally, he has committed to promoting women’s football, revitalizing youth football development, and fostering unity among dissenting stakeholders. Whether this marks a genuine fresh start or another chapter of unmet promises will depend on the new leadership’s actions in the coming months.AFC Leopards reveal gate collection revenue from clash against Bandari
