The long-awaited Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections will take place in October 2024, according to FKF boss Nick Mwendwa.
Addressing attendees at the FKF Awards Gala in Nairobi on Friday, Mwendwa expressed confidence that all legal obstacles had been removed, paving the way for the crucial polls.
Mwendwa’s announcement comes after a tumultuous period marked by legal battles. The journey to the elections, which should have gained momentum in March 2024, was abruptly halted when the Annual General Meeting (AGM), meant to outline the election roadmap, was stopped by a court order.
This order stemmed from a case filed by Gabriel Mghendi, a member of FKF’s Coast Region National Executive Council (NEC). Journalist Milton Nyakundi sought the court's intervention, arguing that the NEC could not convene an AGM until the case was resolved.
The case has since been withdrawn, allowing Mwendwa to assure stakeholders that there are no more legal barriers. “There are no more court cases, they are over. If you want to continue with the good job that has been going on, start preparing your papers; we meet at the ballot in October,” Mwendwa declared confidently.
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, recently removed from his position by President William Ruto, echoed the call for swift elections during his speech at the gala.
Despite his recent exit, Namwamba highlighted the urgency of resolving the election issue, emphasising the potential of Kenyan football. “My parting shot, FKF, the entire fraternity of FKF, you are sitting on a diamond mine. I implore that you make sure that the little issue of holding elections is sorted out. Make sure that the environment is clear and you run football in a manner that will make Kenya envy when it comes to football in this region,” he said.
Namwamba also referenced his final duties as Sports CS, assuring the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that Kenya would not disappoint in hosting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
This assurance underscores the significance of the upcoming FKF elections, particularly for the East African Pamoja bid, a joint effort by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to host AFCON 2027.
However, Namwamba has been facing criticism before his ouster from various football stakeholders. Representatives from various football umbrella bodies criticised his statements, particularly regarding the delays in the FKF elections.
The stakeholders clarified that the term of office for the current officials expires in September 2024 for branch officials and in October 2024 for the NEC. They refuted claims that petitions over the term of office had delayed the elections, pointing out that the AGM was halted solely due to a court petition questioning the legality of those who called it.
“There are no petitions as to the expiry of the term of office of the current officials. It is public knowledge that the term of the current branch officials’ term expires in September 2024 and for the National Executive Committee in October 2024,” the stakeholders said in a statement.
The stakeholders further clarified that no petitions had been filed by County Football Associations (CFAs) registered under the Sports Act but not affiliated with FKF.
They stated that the CFAs had not caused any election-related challenges, contrary to reports. The AGM was halted by a Mombasa court’s stay orders, which were granted in the case HCJR/E001/2024 Gabriel Mghendi vs Milton Nyakundi, due to the AGM being allegedly conducted by an illegal entity.
As the FKF prepares for the October elections, the football community remains keenly focused on the developments. The outcome of these elections will be pivotal not only for the governance of Kenyan football but also for the country's role in the joint bid to host AFCON 2027.
