Hussein Mohammed (left) and McDonald Mariga at Kempinski Hotel, Nairobi on October 12, 2024.
Delegates emerged as the biggest winners in the just-concluded Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections, reaping monetary benefits as candidates vied for their votes.
Hussein Mohammed ultimately triumphed over seven competitors to secure the FKF presidency, promising to reform Kenyan football over the next four years.
Seen as the government’s preferred candidate, Mohammed’s campaign gained significant traction after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga endorsed him during a Friday evening meeting.
This endorsement was widely interpreted as a signal of support from the highest levels of government, solidifying his appeal to delegates.
The election, conducted on Saturday, involved 90 delegates. Among them were 48 county delegates, representatives from 18 FKF-PL clubs, three Women Premier League clubs, two Women National Super League clubs, ten Division One clubs, and the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association. Nyamira and Homa Bay Counties, as well as referees’ and coaches’ associations, did not participate.
Mohammed faced stiff competition from Cleophas Shimanyula, Sam Ochola, Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’, Doris Petra, Chris Amimo, Barry Otieno, and Tom Alila.
Despite the large field, claims of bribery dominated the campaigns, with candidates reportedly offering money, lavish retreats, and other incentives to delegates in a bid to secure votes.
One delegate disclosed attending a retreat in Naivasha hosted by a losing candidate, where they were given Sh25,000 for travel and other allowances.
“Yes, I went to Naivasha but didn’t vote for the person who took me there. My conscience demanded change, and that’s what I voted for. Many others took money from different camps but still voted otherwise,” the delegate told Nation Sport.
On the eve of the elections, another candidate hosted delegates at a high-end Nairobi hotel, providing an extravagant feast and other perks. However, the secret ballot system allowed delegates to make independent choices, often contrary to the expectations of those who courted them.
“We ate well, but my vote was for change. Re-electing the previous regime would have been a disaster for our game,” said another delegate, expressing dissatisfaction with the past FKF leadership.
The decisive moment in the election came after Raila’s endorsement, which many interpreted as a direct signal from President Ruto.“When Raila backed Hussein, we knew it was a government decision. That shifted the mood and gave him the edge,” said a delegate.
Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ochola, dissatisfied with Raila’s endorsement of Mohamed, shifted his support to Doris Petra. “We acted in defiance and supported Petra,” confirmed Nick Okello, Gor Mahia’s Head of Communications.
Kempes criticized the pervasive bribery, calling it a senseless game.“How can you judge that our campaign failed when one delegate goes to three different camps claiming to support them? It doesn’t make sense.”
As Mohammed takes over FKF’s leadership, expectations are high for meaningful reforms to restore integrity and progress to Kenyan football. His administration faces the challenge of addressing the deep-rooted issues highlighted during the election process, including delegate monetisation and public scepticism.
Enthusiasts hope his tenure will bring the needed change.
