FKF crisis deepens as Mariga assumes control while Hussein Mohamed disputes suspension

A fresh power struggle has erupted within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), with newly appointed acting president McDonald Mariga moving to assert control even as embattled president Hussein Mohamed rejects his suspension as unconstitutional.

The latest developments follow a National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution passed on April 24, 2026, which cited “serious governance, financial, and constitutional violations” within the federation.

In a formal statement, the NEC outlined allegations ranging from financial impropriety and loss of public funds to breaches of procurement and financial management laws.

As part of the sweeping measures, key FKF officials were asked to step aside to pave the way for independent investigations and a comprehensive forensic audit by multiple oversight bodies.

Among the institutions now involved are the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), as well as continental and global football bodies, Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.

“The NEC wishes to inform the public that decisive measures will be undertaken to safeguard the integrity of the Football Kenya Federation,” read part of the statement, which also urged the investigative agencies to fast-track their inquiries to restore public confidence.

In the interim, Mariga confirmed that he has formally assumed office as acting president in accordance with the NEC mandate, promising continuity and stability within the federation.

“To ensure continuity of operations, the NEC has mandated me to take up the role of Acting President, which mandate I have accepted and assumed with immediate effect,” he said.

He added that immediate steps would be taken to preserve evidence, including freezing relevant accounts and reviewing all existing contracts, while an urgent NEC meeting is expected to be convened.

Mariga also sought to reassure FKF partners and stakeholders that operations would continue uninterrupted despite the leadership shake-up. He specifically named key commercial partners, including SportPesa and Azam, affirming that all contractual obligations would be honoured.

“We want to assure all our partners that there is no vacuum and FKF shall honour in full all our obligations,” he said, adding that the federation remains open to attracting new partners as part of efforts to rebuild trust.

However, the transition has not been smooth. Earlier in the day, Hussein publicly challenged the NEC’s decision, describing the meeting that led to his suspension as unconstitutional and signalling a potential legal and administrative standoff at the top of Kenyan football.

The escalating dispute sets the stage for a protracted governance battle within FKF, as investigations intensify and both sides hold firm to their positions, raising fresh concerns over stability and leadership in the country’s football administration.

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