Football Kenya Federation CEO Barry Otieno officially unveiled the five-member Electoral Board on Monday, September 23, 2024. The board has been tasked with overseeing and delivering the FKF elections, which are set to take place on December 7, 2024.
This unveiling follows the board’s ratification by FKF delegates during the FKF Special General Meeting held on August 24, 2024, at the Sports View Hotel in Nairobi. The National Executive Committee (NEC) nominated the five members in accordance with the FKF Electoral Code of 2019/2020.
The Board consists of Professor Hesbon Owilla as chair and Marceline Sande as Secretary General, with Dan Mule, Alfred Ng’ang’a, and James Waindi as members.
“Our role is to deliver a fair and transparent election that is credible and verifiable. We will ensure that every voice counts,” said Owila.
“We are professionals from different fields, and I do not think we would want to dent our credibility. We are here to deliver a credible election, and that’s exactly what we will do. The process will be free, fair, verifiable, and transparent,” Owill said during the unveiling of the board.
Here’s a look at the backgrounds of the board members:
Prof Hesbon Owilla – Chairperson
Professor Hesbon Owilla is a renowned scholar of communication and media. He holds a PhD with a specialization in political communication. He is a researcher and lecturer at Daystar University and United States International University-Africa (USIU-A). His expertise spans mass communication, African media systems, political communication, and public policy research.
Prof. Owilla actively participates in media and sociopolitical discussions in Kenya and frequently appears as a panellist on KTN News to analyze political, social, and economic issues. His research focuses on how media systems function in multiethnic democracies, particularly at the intersection of broadcast media and political communication. With his background in audience analysis, media relations, and advocacy campaigns, Prof. Owilla brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Chairperson.
Marceline Sande – Secretary General
Marceline Sande is an experienced lawyer and the founder of Ligunya Sande Associates, where she serves as the principal partner. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and is pursuing a master’s in law at Strathmore University. With over two decades of legal practice, Sande is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a member of several international legal bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), and FIDA, an organization that promotes women’s rights.
Sande began her legal career as an associate advocate at Rachier & Amollo Advocates and later became the principal advocate at Gitobu Imanyara & Co. Advocates. Her legal expertise spans multiple fields, which led her to establish her law firm.
Alfred Ng’ang’a – Board Member
Alfred Ng’ang’a is an accomplished communication consultant with extensive experience in public relations, strategic corporate communications, and media relations across East Africa. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications & Public Relations from Moi University and a Diploma in Mass Communication from the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication.
Ng’ang’a has worked with major regional corporate clients, excelling in public affairs consulting, media liaison, and strategic communication for corporate entities. He is also a Board Member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) and an Ogilvy Professional Awards recipient. His strong network of media and public affairs contacts throughout East Africa has been a significant asset in his career, making him a key figure in the FKF Electoral Board.
Dan Mule – Board Member
Dan Mule, the former chairman of AFC Leopards, is well known for his leadership and contributions to Kenyan football. Elected to lead AFC Leopards in 2016 after serving as co-chairman of the club’s Interim Management Committee, Mule’s tenure faced challenges, including internal conflicts and allegations of mismanagement, which he vehemently denied. Despite these hurdles, he remained dedicated to improving the club’s performance.
In addition to his football leadership, Mule is involved in regional development. Governor Wavinya Ndeti recently appointed him to a task force in Machakos County, where he aims to use his sports management experience to revitalize local football and enhance sports facilities in the region.
James Waindi – Board Member
James Waindi is a veteran sports journalist and editor, currently serving as the President of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), a position he assumed in April 2023. Before this role, Waindi had a long career as the Sports Editor at People Daily, shaping sports coverage in Kenya.
His election to the SJAK presidency followed multiple attempts, underscoring his determination and commitment to advancing sports journalism in Kenya. Waindi has set ambitious goals for SJAK, including fostering collaboration with sports federations, expanding membership, and providing professional development opportunities for journalists. His decades of experience in sports media and his deep understanding of Kenya’s sporting landscape make him a valuable member of the FKF Electoral Board.