Hussein Mohamed is the new Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President after winning a second-round vote on a day his allies also scooped six of the eight National Executive Committee slots.
Mr Mohamed, whose running-mate was former Kenyan international McDonald Mariga, garnered 67 votes in the final round of voting by the 90 delegates to win the FKF presidency, with his opponent Mr Barry Otieno getting 23 votes.
Doris Petra, who had teamed up with outgoing FKF president Nick Mwendwa as her deputy, was second in the initial round of voting with 31 votes against Mr Mohamed’s 43. She conceded defeat before the second round.
Speaking after being declared the winner, Mr Mohamed said he will focus on infrastructure and grassroots football, which were the core aspects of his campaign.
“This is a new dawn for Kenyan football and a very important day of my life because I now have the opportunity to deliver on what I promised Kenyans and football stakeholders,” said Mr Mohamed.
The 47-year-old, who also doubles up as Murang’a Seal Vice Chairman, said he was optimistic that his team will deliver on their campaign promises.
“We will be judged by what we do and that is why we have to set the ball rolling and start working. Under my reign we have to see the difference in the management of our national teams, transparency, accountability and talent nurturing,” said Mr Mohamed.
In the first round, Mr Otieno finished third with 10 votes while Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula garnered four votes. Former footballer and Gor Mahia legend Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’ got two votes.
Others on the ballot included football administrator Tom Alila who got one vote while Chris Amimo and Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ochola left empty-handed.
Mr Mwendwa congratulated his successor and conceded defeat, saying he had played his part for the eight years he has been in office.
“We did our part and I want to thank everyone who supported us in the whole journey. Now the new leadership is in place and we wish them all the best as they take charge and I hope they will take the game forward as they have promised, I’m satisfied by what I did while in office,” said Mr Mwendwa.
During his campaigns, Mr Mohamed said infrastructure and grassroots football were dear to him. He also promised to attract sponsorship to football.
He has previously been involved in the Super Eight Tournament, which is credited with nurturing many players.
New FKF president Hussein Mohammed (second left) and his running mate McDonald Mariga (left) receive their election certificate from Fifa Council member Isha Johansen as FKF Election Board chairman Hesbon Owila and secretary Mercyline Sande (right) look on at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani on December 7, 2024.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
At the same time, candidates affiliated to Mr Mohamed on Saturday won six of the eight National Executive Committee posts in the FKF elections held at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi.
Mr Robert Macharia, the chairman of Murang’a Seal where Mr Mohamed also serves as a vice chairman, bagged the Central Region NEC member post with 54 votes.
Eastleigh North MCA Mohamed Dabar won the North Eastern region with 65 votes while Homa Bay County official and coach Collins Kale captured Nyanza with a majority vote. Both candidates are affiliated to Mr Mohamed and have been campaigning for him.
AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda bagged the Nairobi NEC Member. He was considered a supporter of former FKF CEO Barry Otieno.
Gabriel Mgendi, who won the Coast seat, was the only candidate who was allied to Mr Mwendwa and Ms Petra.
Mr Charles Njoka, who is also the FKF Division One side 3K chairman, was elected the Eastern Region NEC member after getting 40 votes.
Referee and experienced football official Peter Kamau ‘Kaskas’ bagged the Lower Eastern Region seat with 46 votes while Caleb Amwayi won the Western Region seat.
