FKF power struggles throw Kenyan football in jeopardy

The leadership crisis at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has thrown Kenyan football into uncertainty again.

This has raised serious concerns over the country’s readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), the smooth running of the SportPesa Premier League, and the preparations of the Harambee Starlets ahead of the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

What began as an internal dispute has now exploded into a full-blown governance crisis, with embattled FKF president Hussein Mohammed refusing to accept  his suspension by the National Executive Committee (NEC), even as McDonald Mariga steps in as acting president.

The standoff comes at a delicate time. Kenya is a key partner of the Pamoja East African bid to host Afcon 2027, a project that requires stability, trust, and proper coordination with Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Any sign of disorder within FKF risks damaging confidence among continental bodies and partners.

At the same time, the domestic league faces possible disruption if leadership wrangles spill into operational decisions such as fixtures, officiating, and sponsorship agreements.

For the Harambee Starlets, the timing could not be worse, with the team preparing for a major continental assignment that demands proper planning, funding, and technical support.

The crisis erupted after the NEC passed a resolution on Friday, forcing beleaguered Hussein to step aside to allow investigations into alleged financial misconduct.

At the centre of the storm is the alleged misappropriation of Sh42 million linked to Chan 2024 insurance and brokerage deals, with claims that the money was channelled to an unlicenced firm.

But yesterday, the friends turned foes held separate press conferences in the capital city, issuing different statements. Hussein, accompanied only by his fellow suspended acting CEO Dennis Gicheru, kicked off the day with a press briefing at Kandanda House before Mariga, flanked with a dozen of NEC members, held a similar briefing at Nyayo Stadium. 

In announcing the decision, Mariga defended the NEC’s actions and outlined immediate steps to stabilise the federation.

“It came to the attention of the National Executive Committee that there were serious governance, financial, and constitutional violations,” the former Kenyan international said.

“Decisive measures will be undertaken to safeguard the integrity of the Football Kenya Federation.”

Mariga confirmed that multiple agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Insurance Regulatory Authority, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, CAF, and FIFA, have begun investigations.

He added that FKF had moved to freeze relevant accounts and review contracts to prevent further loss of funds.

“We welcome these processes and respectfully urge the respective bodies to fast-track their inquiries to ensure timely accountability,” Mariga said, promising to restore public confidence.

However, Hussein Mohammed has strongly rejected the suspension, terming it unconstitutional and politically driven.

Speaking at a tense press conference at Kasarani, he appeared increasingly isolated, a sharp contrast to the widespread support he enjoyed when he took over from former FKF boss Nick Mwendwa on a promise of reform and transparency.

“FKF did not transfer or pay any money to any insurance company for CHAN competitions,” Hussein insisted.

“Those reports are fictitious and outrightly malicious. This was contracted purely by CAF.”

He framed the accusations as retaliation against his anti-corruption stance. “When you fight corruption, it shall fight back. I shall not tolerate mediocrity,” he said, adding that he is ready to cooperate with investigators while preparing to challenge the NEC’s decision.

Yet, the unity that once defined his rise now appears fractured. Key figures within the NEC, including Central Region representative Robert Macharia, have backed the suspension. The Murang'a Seal chairman, who's in Mariga's faction, maintained that due process was followed and that the move was necessary to protect the federation. 

The unfolding drama paints a troubling picture of a federation slipping back into familiar cycles of boardroom wars, allegations of corruption, and leadership struggles.

For many observers, it is a painful reminder of the very issues Hussein Mohammed had pledged to end.

As Mariga prepares to convene an urgent NEC meeting to chart the way forward, the immediate challenge will be to contain the damage.

Beyond the legal battles and investigations, Kenyan football faces a credibility test, one that could shape its continental ambitions, domestic competitions, and the future of its national teams.

For now, the game off the pitch is proving far more chaotic than the one on it.