Police intervened at Three Steers Hotel in Meru ahead of the FKF meeting.
Police moved to secure Three Steers Hotel as delegates awaited a meeting to consider the conduct of seven federation officials.
The FKF Special General Meeting failed to start on schedule in Meru on Saturday as police fired teargas. Officers moved to secure Three Steers Hotel amid a tense standoff over access to the venue.
The gathering had a 9am start time, but delegates remained waiting as security officers intervened. Some accredited members also struggled to enter the hotel.
FKF said Rapid Deployment Unit officers discharged teargas inside the meeting venue while delegates awaited proceedings. Police also fired teargas at the main entrance as they sought to disperse a crowd.
Police secure FKF Special General Meeting venue
Reports indicated that hundreds of youths had gathered at the hotel before the security operation began. Officers entered the premises to remove people who had reportedly occupied different rooms and other areas.
Meanwhile, a video circulating online showed FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga arriving in a police van. A man wearing a blue suit appeared to confront him when the vehicle stopped.
Armed police intervened, chased the man away and escorted Mariga into the building. The standoff also raised concerns about whether all accredited delegates would gain entry to the constitutional gathering.
Saturday’s unrest followed reports of a physical confrontation in Meru a day earlier. That incident reportedly involved an FKF National Executive Committee member and two branch chairmen.
The chairmen had reportedly visited the venue to assess preparations when a group confronted them. Reports alleged that the group had travelled from Nairobi and that several people suffered injuries.
Delegates face decision on seven NEC members
The meeting’s agenda includes a proposal to consider the conduct of seven National Executive Committee members, including Mariga. His prolonged dispute with federation president Hussein Mohammed forms the backdrop to the gathering.
Removing an NEC member requires support from two-thirds of the delegates present. However, the security disruption delayed consideration of the agenda as officers sought to restore order.
FKF had also confirmed that representatives from FIFA, the Confederation of African Football and the government would attend. FIFA and other football stakeholders have observer roles at the gathering.
Meanwhile, the year-long leadership rift has affected federation operations and the running of Kenyan football. The dispute also carries potential implications for Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.
