The much-anticipated Football Kenya Federation (FKF) county elections took place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, following the lifting of conservatory orders by a High Court in Kitui that had stopped the elections from proceeding.
Elections were held in 44 counties. This exercise was pivotal in shaping Kenya’s football future ahead of the FKF national polls, scheduled for December 7, 2024. The national election will see FKF Vice President Doris Petra and outgoing President Nick Mwendwa, Hussein Mohammed and former Harambee Stars Midfielder McDonald Mariga, alongside other contenders such as Barry Otieno, Cleophas Shimanyula, Gor Mahia Secretary General, Former Harambee Stars/Gor Mahia player Sam Kempes , Tom Alila and Ligi Ndogo Academy owner Chris Amimo contest for the top seat.
New FKF Leadership In Kisumu
In Kisumu County, Kennedy Ouma Akello was elected chairman after receiving 45 votes, defeating Benjamin Oyugi, who managed 24 votes. Speaking exclusively to Mozzart Sport, Ouma expressed his determination to revive Kisumu football, which has struggled to produce a team in the FKF Premier League.
“I urge everyone to come together so we can revitalize Kisumu football. To all our delegates, thank you for trusting in Team Ken. We won’t let you down. Our vision is clear: to make Kisumu a football powerhouse,” Ouma said.
Maurice Obungu, elected as treasurer, pledged to ease financial burdens on teams by reducing affiliation fees from Ksh25,000 to Ksh10,000. “We will ensure affiliation funds go directly to the bank, assisting teams facing financial challenges to advance to higher levels.”
For the Women Representative position, Emmalex Odera secured victory with 36 votes, defeating Margaret Awino (22 votes) and Faith Akinyi (18 votes). She emphasized her commitment to strengthening women’s leagues and grassroots football through strategic partnerships. “We’ll promote football at all levels, from grassroots to national, including schools and community clubs,” she said.
The Kisumu delegation, allied to Team Blue, has promised to collaborate closely with FKF to ensure the county’s resurgence as a football hub.
Key Results Across the Counties
The elections saw a mix of new and returning leaders across various counties. Here are some notable results:
Rift Valley Counties
1. Isaac Munene – Trans Nzoia County
2. Francis Oliele – Nakuru County
3. Ken Ruto – Baringo County
4. Boaz Kibet – Elgeyo Marakwet County
5. Alfred Tanui – Kericho County
6. Michael Ndung’u – Laikipia County
7. Abdulatif Korir – Nandi County
8. Peter Karino – Narok County
9. James Lolochum – Samburu County
10. Samsung Kopirpir Lotian – West Pokot County
11. Peter Chesang – Uasin Gishu County
12. David Kimutai Siele – Bomet County
13. Kajiado County -Alex Kuseren Musikeri
14. Turkana County – William Lokwee
Central Region Counties Chairpersons:
15. Danson Ng’ang’a – Kiambu County
16. Denis Murimi – Kirinyaga County
17. Benson Mwangi – Murang’a County
18. Chrispin Ochieng – Nyeri County
19. Nyandarua County- Reuben Kaii Kabiru
Eastern Region Counties Chairpersons:
20. Samuel Mwongeli – Makueni County
21. Ahmed Noor – Machakos County
22. Swaleh Mohamed – Kitui County
23. Godana Roba – Marsabit County
24. Benson Kanyuru – Meru County
25. Kadir Hussein Ali – Isiolo County
26. Daniel Ikunga – Tharaka Nithi County
27. Harrison Gitonga – Embu County
Nairobi County Chairpersons
28. Bernard Omondi-Nairobi West
29. Dickson Doyo-Nairobi East.
Coast Region Counties Chairpersons:
30. Dickson Angore – Kilifi County
31. Hanisi Mwakoja – Kwale County
32. Al Amin Abdhallah – Mombasa County
33. Duncan Maghanga – Taita Taveta County
34. Odha Ilu Hiyesa – Tana River County
35. Sultwan Swaleh Mohamed – Lamu County
Nyanza Region Chairpersons:
36. Jezreel Mbegera – Kisii County
37. Kennedy Ouma – Kisumu County
38. Kevin Oswere – Siaya County
39. Bernard Odongo – Migori County
40. Homabay County (Election pending)
41. Nyamira (Elections pending)
Western Counties Chairpersons
42. Eugene Okello – Busia County
43. Michael Senelewa – Vihiga County
44. Dennis Nyongesa – Bungoma County
45. Jeff Mudembei – Kakamega County
North Eastern
46. Wajir – Abdinasir Mohammed
47. Garissa – Abdullahi Mohammed Farah
48. Mandera – Ismail M Issack
In counties such as Turkana, Mandera, and Nyandarua, elections were either rescheduled or set for reruns due to ties or disqualifications.
Controversies and Disqualifications
The FKF Electoral Board upheld a strict policy on electoral malpractice, as evidenced in Kajiado County. Chairmanship candidate Moonka Douglas Matiko and his running mate Raphael Sairiamu Koyo were disqualified for tampering with ballot papers during the final recount. Consequently, incumbent chairman Alex Kuseren Musikeri retained his position unopposed.
As Kenya prepares for the national polls, the elected county officials have vowed to work together to elevate football standards, addressing challenges like financial strain, limited representation in top leagues, and the need for structured grassroots development.
The FKF elections have set the tone for a transformative era in Kenyan football. With leaders like Kennedy Ouma in Kisumu and others across the country pledging bold reforms, fans and stakeholders will watch closely to see if these promises translate into action.
As the December 7 national elections approach, the football community is keen to see how the new leadership will collaborate to enhance the sport’s growth across all levels.