FKF leadership rift deepens as Hussein, Mariga trade blame

A deepening leadership dispute at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has exposed growing divisions within the federation, raising fresh questions about its governance as Kenya prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The standoff between FKF President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy, McDonald Mariga, intensified on Wednesday after the two camps presented conflicting accounts of efforts to resolve their differences.

Mohammed accused Mariga and six other National Executive Committee (NEC) members of frustrating attempts to restore working relations, warning that the officials could face disciplinary action under the federation’s constitution.

Mariga, meanwhile, has complained of being sidelined within the federation, saying he has had to meet his own travel and accommodation expenses when attending national team matches. He has also clarified that NEC members do not receive salaries from the federation, challenging claims that the dispute centres simply on unpaid wages.

The disagreement has persisted despite attempts to initiate consultations between the rival camps. Members aligned with Mariga have raised concerns over governance and decision-making, while Mohammed maintains that the federation must continue operating within its established constitutional structures.

The latest confrontation follows months of internal wrangling that has complicated the federation’s leadership and exposed differences over how its affairs should be managed.

The dispute comes at a critical time for Kenyan football, with the country preparing to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The continental tournament presents a major organisational undertaking, requiring coordination between football authorities, government agencies and other stakeholders.

While the leadership dispute does not in itself determine the country’s readiness to host the competition, prolonged instability could complicate coordination and divert attention from the preparations required.

The unfolding crisis has therefore placed renewed focus on the need for transparent governance, accountability and a workable process for resolving disagreements within the federation.

With the rival camps yet to reach a lasting settlement, the immediate challenge for FKF is to resolve its internal differences through the appropriate constitutional mechanisms while maintaining the stability needed to oversee Kenyan football.