Kenyan football stands at a pivotal crossroads as Hussein Mohammed assumes the presidency of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following a resounding victory in the recently concluded elections. Held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, the polls marked a significant turning point for the sport, with Mohammed pledging to rebuild football governance and restore confidence among stakeholders.
A Coalition of Change Sweeps NEC Seats
The elections, conducted with the participation of 90 delegates representing FKF County branches, Premier League clubs, the National Super League (NSL), the Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL), and the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KeFWA), saw a coalition led by Mohammed and MacDonald Mariga dominate most of the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) seats. The mandate granted to this team signals a desire for transformative leadership to steer Kenyan football in a new direction.
Among the notable NEC winners were AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda and Murang’a Seal Chairman Robert Macharia, entrusted with pivotal roles in shaping the future of football. Their inclusion, alongside other newly elected leaders, reflects a diversity of experience and commitment to grassroots and elite-level football.
Detailed Election Results: A Regional Breakdown
The elections highlighted fierce competition across various regions. Below is a breakdown of the regional and national outcomes:
Coast Region NEC
Gabriel Mghendi emerged victorious with 32 votes, defeating Edward Oduor (29 votes), Erickson Kyongo (22 votes), and Athman Mwamiri (7 votes). This win underscores Mghendi’s popularity and vision for advancing football in the coastal region.
Central Region NEC
Robert Macharia clinched the seat with 54 votes, surpassing Gordon Davies, who received 35 votes. Macharia’s experience as the Murang’a Seal chairman played a pivotal role in his decisive victory.
Eastern Region NEC
Charles Njagi, chair of National Super League side 3K FC, garnered 40 votes to secure the Eastern Region seat, outpacing rivals Joseph Mutwiri (29 votes) and Elzaphan Mbogo (21 votes).
Nairobi Region NEC
Dan Shikanda narrowly triumphed with 25 votes, edging out Michael Ouma (23 votes) and Isaac Macharia (22 votes) in a tightly contested race. Shikanda’s leadership credentials as AFC Leopards chairman likely contributed to his victory.
Western Region NEC
Caleb Amwayi captured the Western Region seat with 43 votes, defeating Kevin Mwangu (26 votes) and Nick Yakhama (21 votes). Amwayi’s track record in grassroots football development resonated with delegates.
Women Representative NEC
Violet Kerubo Momanyi ended Margaret Anyango’s tenure by securing 46 votes, marking a significant leadership change in women’s football. Kerubo’s campaign emphasized inclusivity and development for women footballers.
Presidential Elections: A New Mandate for Hussein Mohammed
The presidential race was a closely watched affair. In the first round, Hussein Mohammed garnered 42 votes, falling short of the 50% plus one threshold required for outright victory. Immediate former vice president Doris Petra received 31 votes, while former CEO Barry Otieno managed 10 votes. A runoff was necessitated after Cleophas Shimanyula (4 votes), Owino Kempes (2 votes), and Tom Alila (1 vote) were eliminated.
In the second round, Mohammed surged to victory, amassing 67 votes. Petra and Otieno withdrew from the race but still received one vote each. Upon his victory, Mohammed emphasized his commitment to rebuilding Kenyan football, focusing on governance, transparency, and grassroots development.
Former Inter Milan Midfielder McDonald Mariga To Deputize Hussein Mohammed
Following Hussein Mohammed’s victory his running mate ex Inter Milan Midfielder McDonald Mariga will be deputizing him for four years.Mariga brings in his experience as a player having donned the national team jerseys and also reached the apex of football where he won the champions league with Italian giants Inter Milan.
Hussein’s Vision: Rebuilding Trust and Integrity
“During our campaigns, we were clear that we wanted to fix football, and we wanted to start with governance,” said Mohammed in his victory speech. “We must have the pillars of integrity, accountability, and transparency in how we deal with FKF delegates, branches, and everyone.”
As the CEO of Extreme Sports and a former critic of the FKF’s previous regime, Mohammed’s campaign resonated with promises of reform. His pledge to involve all stakeholders, from players to fans, aligns with his vision to make Kenyan football competitive regionally and globally.
“We will focus on grassroots football, and we will work with everybody. I assure you, football is in the right hands,” he added.
The End of the Mwendwa Era
Hussein Mohammed’s election marks the end of Nick Mwendwa’s nine-year tenure as FKF president. Mwendwa, who had reached the two-term limit, had been at the center of controversies during his leadership. His support for Petra in the elections signified continuity, but Mohammed’s victory reflected a strong desire for change among the delegates.
The Road Ahead For Kenyan Football
The new FKF administration faces a monumental task. From improving player welfare to addressing Kenya’s underperforming national teams and insufficient infrastructure, the challenges are immense. Mohammed’s success will largely hinge on his ability to unite stakeholders, implement reforms, and secure funding for the development of football at all levels.
The elections also underscored the critical role of grassroots football in the country’s future. NEC members, such as Gabriel Mghendi and Charles Njagi, bring vast experience in nurturing talent at lower levels, signaling a renewed focus on building the sport from the ground up.
With a fresh mandate and a team of committed NEC members, Hussein Mohammed has an opportunity to chart a new course for Kenyan football. His emphasis on governance, transparency, and inclusivity has set a hopeful tone for the next four years. As he takes the reins, all eyes will be on his administration to deliver on the promises of reform and uplift the standards of football in Kenya.