“Kenya is facing a football crisis,” according to those involved in the FKF election dispute

Football stakeholders have issued another warning, stating that the game is in danger of collapsing due to the ongoing standoff over the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections and the direct consequences of an imminent FIFA ban by the world governing body.

The statement from the stakeholders, lead by Extreme Sports CEO Mohammed Hussein, is below. It was signed by Luther Mokua, the chairman of FKF Nyamira, and Dennis Oliech, a former captain of the Harambee Stars, among others.

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. We appreciate you coming in today (Thursday). We are ardent supporters of Kenyan football’s future and speak on behalf of the sport’s stakeholders before you. Football administrators from across the nation, referees, coaches, and elected FKF officials are gathered with us.

The rights to host AFCON 2027 were granted to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This presents a special chance for Kenya to excel on the continent, boost several areas of the country’s economy, and leave a legacy that will motivate future generations. But now there is a serious risk to this unique opportunity.

Our AFCON ambition is currently in jeopardy because to the unrest, lack of transparency, and a persistent culture of intimidation, coercion, impunity, and hubris among the senior leadership of the (FKF). Kenya is facing a football crisis: many judicial issues, one of which has prevented the AGM from taking place as planned, and the impending national elections. A lawsuit led by a few of the present FKF officials.

a comprehensive, tough operation meant to scuttle the planned elections for later this year. It is essential to remember that all elected branch-level delegates’ terms of office expire on September 18, 2024. The likelihood of having free, fair, and legitimate elections is decreasing with each day that goes by.

Should we miss the crucial deadlines for electioneering and governance outlined in the FKF constitution, a constitutional crisis would be imminent. Put simply, on September 18, this year, there won’t be any delegates present to take part in any elections.

Our status as the host of AFCON 2027 is in jeopardy if we are unable to organize an AGM and present an open and transparent schedule for the next elections. These elections are more than simply a formality; they serve as the cornerstone for our AFCON 2027 preparations.

We would never be able to hold this important competition without a newly elected and operational FKF office. FIFA has issued a formal warning to the Kenyan Football Federation (FKF) over the possibility of suspension due to ongoing misbehavior. The warning was sent in a recent communiqué dated March 26, 2024.

Many stakeholders in Kenyan football share our serious concerns. We cannot allow impunity to rob us of this fantastic chance. The world is watching, and it would be a shame for Kenya to lose out on hosting AFCON 2027 because of the avarice, ineptitude, and ignorance of a few self-centered individuals who intend to use any and all methods necessary to secure their lifelong position in authority, no matter the cost to the nation.

The issue is further made worse by the FKF’s culture of intimidation, pressure, and abuses of fundamental human rights directed at individuals who want accountability, transparency, and freedom of association. The integrity and potential of Kenyan football are compromised by this poisonous atmosphere, which is exacerbated by institutional impunity and hubris.

Today, our purpose is to raise the alarm. We implore all parties involved, including the delegates, clubs, Kenyan government, FIFA, and CAF, to act swiftly and decisively in order to prevent a small group of renegade individuals who are out to ruin the future for millions of our children from holding the nation hostage.

We would want to use this opportunity to express our gratitude to Dr. Paul Tergat, the chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), for initiating the initiative to bring together all parties involved in football in order to find a solution to this deadlock. A brave and admirable move that is warmly embraced by all well-intentioned football administrators worldwide.

The top FKF official’s decision to abstain from the function validates their dishonesty during this crucial procedure. Now is the time to prioritize our nation; let’s not let this opportunity pass us by.

Together, let’s demand transparency, make football a profitable endeavor for everybody, and work to guarantee our hosting rights for AFCON 2027. Our unavoidable minimal standards are accountability, integrity, openness, and good governance. Kenya is deserving of nothing less.