The division in the top leadership of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) appears to be far from over even as Fifa, CAF and Cecafa all move to help iron out the differences.
On June 30, a strong delegation from the three football governing bodies met the FKF factions in Nairobi to address the matter.
They are Cecafa and Eritrean National Football Federation president Paulos Weldehaimanot, Davis Ndayisenga from Fifa Lead Regional Office, MA Governance Services Consultant at Fifa, Mohamed Elshawarby, CAF’s Legal Counsel Nadim Magdy and Team Lead, MA Governance Services at Fifa Ahmed Harraz.
FKF presidential aspirant Hussein Mohamed addresses journalists at the Swiss Lenana Hotel in Nairobi on January 5, 2023.
Photo credit: Pool
Addressing the press after the meeting, FKF president Hussein Mohammed did not delve deep into the talks, only stating that they discussed the challenges facing Kenyan football.
“It was a good day for football. We had an opportunity to sit down with the FIFA and CAF delegations and discuss matters affecting the federation. It is important for the entire football family to work in harmony as we prepare to deliver a memorable Afcon and advance our football development agenda," said Mohammed.
Several hours later, however, the faction of the FKF NEC members, which is opposed to Mohammed’s leadership, released a statement in which they listed several resolutions arrived at the meeting.
Football Kenya Federation Vice President McDonald Mariga (left) and NEC member Nairobi Daniel Shikanda before appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture at Bunge Tower on May 5, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
The FKF NEC members led by the federation’s vice president, McDonald Mariga, have challenged Mohammed’s leadership over corruption allegations, abuse of office and breach of the constitution.
They stated that the meeting agreed that all parties stand down pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations on the allegations and that an urgent NEC meeting notice be issued in two days’ time.
According to the NEC members, the meeting also agreed that the case filed at the High Court touching on the division within the federation be withdrawn immediately.
“Following today’s deliberations, it was resolved that all parties exercise restraint pending the outcome of investigations by relevant agencies on the governance concerns at hand,” read part of the statement by the NEC members.
“The National Executive Committee believes it is in the best interests of the Federation that these processes be allowed to proceed independently and reach their conclusion without interference or actions that may undermine institutional stability or public confidence.”
“That an urgent notice for the National Executive Committee meeting be issued within the next two days to deliberate on immediate governance reforms and other priority institutional matters arising from today's engagement with FIFA and CAF, with a view to strengthening the Federation and restoring confidence among stakeholders.”
“That the matter currently before the High Court filed by a member of the National Executive Committee be withdrawn immediately, considering it is contrary to the FKF Constitution and governance tenets.”
The NEC further welcomed the discussion spearheaded by the three football governing bodies and reaffirmed its commitment to “working collaboratively with FIFA, CAF and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen governance, promote accountability and safeguard the interests of the game.”
The NEC added that it remains committed to upholding the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
Mohammed fell out with the majority of NEC members in April after they passed a resolution to suspend him over alleged involvement in Sh 42.48 million insurance fraud concerning the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (Chan).
However, both the High Court and the Sports Disputes Tribunal separately issued injunctions stopping the implementation of the NEC resolutions pending the hearing and determination of cases, which were filed before them over the matter.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation also launched investigations into the allegations.
In May, Fifa rejected the suspension of the officials, saying it was unconstitutional.
