NAIROBI, Kenya — A fresh power struggle has erupted at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after its president, Hussein Mohammed, dismissed a decision by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to suspend him, terming the move unlawful.
The NEC on Friday, April 24, announced the suspension of Hussein alongside nominated member Abdullahi Yussuf Ibrahim and acting Secretary General Dennis Gicheru. The committee said the action was intended to pave the way for investigations into alleged financial impropriety and statutory breaches within the federation.
At the centre of the dispute is the alleged mismanagement of Ksh42 million linked to preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
However, speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Hussein rejected the suspension and insisted he remains the legitimate head of FKF.
“The purported meeting held on April 24 was not convened in accordance with the FKF Constitution 2017… it is therefore irregular, unlawful and unconstitutional,” he said.
Hussein argued that the NEC meeting, reportedly chaired by his deputy McDonald Mariga, did not follow due process. He maintained that only the president has the authority to convene NEC meetings unless formally petitioned by at least half of its members.
According to him, no such request was made, nor was he formally notified, rendering any resolutions from the meeting null and void.
“Any so-called decisions to suspend or remove any FKF member arising from that sitting is automatically null and void,” he added, citing provisions of the FKF Constitution.
Despite the standoff, Hussein acknowledged that investigations into the alleged financial irregularities are ongoing but declined to comment further, saying he would not interfere with the process.
“In the interest of protecting the integrity of the investigative work… I wish to leave my comments there,” he said.
The leadership wrangle threatens to destabilise Kenyan football administration, with potential implications for governance, funding, and relations with continental and global football bodies.
Hussein and Mariga assumed office in December 2024 after winning FKF elections, succeeding former president Nick Mwendwa.
