NAIROBI, Kenya — FIFA has rejected the suspension of Hussein Mohamed and two other senior Football Kenya Federation officials, declaring the process unconstitutional and in violation of the federation’s own statutes.
In a strongly worded letter dated May 25, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov told the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) that the procedure used to suspend Mohamed failed to comply with Article 41 of the FKF Constitution, which governs the provisional dismissal or suspension of elected officials.
The ruling also invalidated the suspensions of acting Secretary General Dennis Gicheru and nominated NEC member Abdulahi Yusuf Ibrahim.
“Having carefully considered the information, documentation, and explanations submitted, we deem it necessary to recall the relevant provisions of the FKF Constitution governing such situations,” FIFA stated in the letter.
“FIFA therefore categorically rejects the procedure that has been followed in this matter.”
Under Article 41, any move to suspend an official must follow strict procedural safeguards, including proper notice to NEC members, inclusion of the matter in the official agenda, observance of quorum and voting requirements, and an opportunity for the affected officials to defend themselves before any decision is taken.
FIFA said the material presented by the faction that pushed for the suspensions did not demonstrate that these mandatory constitutional steps had been followed.
The global football governing body further clarified that instructing an official to “step aside” on a mandatory basis amounts to a provisional suspension under the FKF Constitution and must therefore comply fully with constitutional procedures.
“Actions taken outside the clearly defined statutory framework cannot produce valid legal effects within the association,” FIFA said.
The federation also warned FKF officials that any actions taken in breach of the constitution could expose those involved to disciplinary proceedings before the federation’s competent judicial bodies.
FIFA urged all FKF members and officials to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to constitutional processes, noting Kenya football’s history of governance disputes and institutional instability.
The intervention follows a dramatic fallout within the FKF leadership that erupted in April after a majority faction within the NEC voted to remove Mohamed over an alleged financial scandal linked to preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya co-hosted alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
On April 24, nine of the federation’s 14 NEC members voted to suspend Mohamed, accusing him of involvement in the alleged irregular award of a Sh42.4 million insurance tender tied to the tournament.
The officials behind the motion claimed the contract had been awarded to a company they described as unlicensed, insufficiently vetted, and non-compliant with tax obligations, despite competing bids allegedly offering better value.
