This archive report was first published on 30 July 2020.
Herbert Mwachiro, a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirant, has sounded the alarm on the need for swift and decisive action to protect football in Kenya. Speaking on July 30, 2020, Mwachiro emphasized that the current state of affairs within the FKF is unsustainable and requires immediate attention.
According to Mwachiro, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has intervened twice to cancel FKF elections, citing discriminatory eligibility rules in the electoral code as a major concern. In March 2020, the tribunal ordered the National Executive Committee (NEC) to vacate office, leaving the FKF without a governing body.
‘In March 2020, the tribunal was forced to intervene again over discriminatory eligibility rules in the electoral code which had been tailored to fit the incumbent. This time they felt that the National Executive Committee (NEC) was beyond redemption and ordered them to vacate office and as it stands currently there is no NEC in office,’ Mwachiro said.
Mwachiro stressed that the key victims of this underhand behavior are those who make a living from football, including footballers, coaches, and referees. He noted that the current situation is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put additional pressure on the football community in Kenya.
‘The football community in Kenya is currently faced with hunger, health and housing issues. FKF members must act swiftly to save our football. The Constitution of the FKF makes it clear that the organization exists to protect the interests of its members. It is clear beyond any reasonable doubt that without a NEC in office football operations were limited,’ said Mwachiro.
Mwachiro called on the FKF General Assembly to convene a Special General Assembly (SGM) under Article 31 of the FKF Constitution, which would allow for the appointment of an interim committee to oversee the election process. He emphasized that FKF members have the power to clean their own house and that decisive action is needed to protect the sport.
