FKF delegates voted to expel McDonald Mariga and six executive members at a meeting in Meru.
FKF delegates voted out McDonald Mariga and six executive members, but the deputy president disputes the process and plans to consult lawyers.
FKF delegates approved the Mariga expulsion alongside the removal of six National Executive Committee members at a chaotic meeting on Saturday. Violence disrupted the Special General Meeting at a hotel in Meru, where police used teargas.
Sixty-five of the 66 delegates present supported removing deputy president McDonald Mariga and his six allies over gross misconduct allegations. However, AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani opposed all seven expulsions and called for dialogue.
The meeting started almost three hours late, with 66 of 92 delegates attending. It also recommended further disciplinary action through the judicial bodies of FKF, CAF and Fifa.
The violence left the facility’s owners facing losses. Meanwhile, representatives of Fifa and CAF attended the gathering as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.
Mariga expulsion sparks fair hearing dispute
The other expelled officials were Gabriel Mgendi of Coast, Dan Shikanda of Nairobi and Collins Kalee of Nyanza. They also included Robert Macharia of Central, Bernard Lagat of Upper Rift Valley and women’s representative Violet Kerubo.
Responding to Ambani’s appeal, FKF president Hussein Mohammed said he had convened several meetings that the faction did not attend. He also said all seven officials received notices inviting them to answer the allegations.
Mohammed said none submitted written responses, sent representatives or appeared before delegates to address the charges. He therefore defended proceeding with the meeting and pledged to tackle the federation’s governance problems.
Mariga, however, said officials blocked him and delegates allied to him from entering the meeting. He disputed the legitimacy of most voters and argued that the seven deserved an opportunity to defend themselves.
The former Harambee Stars midfielder said he would consult lawyers before deciding his next step. He also defended arriving with security officers, citing intelligence about alleged goons near the venue. Mariga claimed his faction was paying a price for opposing corruption.
Legal concerns over removal process
Sports lawyer Raphael Omala questioned the procedure, arguing that the officials should have had an opportunity to answer the allegations. He said the lack of a hearing could provide grounds for challenging the decision before a tribunal.
Omala also expressed confidence that a tribunal challenge would result in a stay of the expulsions. His assessment focused on the process used to remove the officials.
Meanwhile, former FKF secretary general Lordvick Aduda said the scenes had damaged Kenyan football’s reputation. He questioned decisions surrounding the meeting but expressed hope that genuine delegates had acted in the game’s interests.
Aduda also warned that questions over delegates’ legitimacy could undermine the resolutions’ legal standing. The dispute adds to a yearlong strained relationship between Mohammed and Mariga, alongside governance wrangles and financial misappropriation allegations.
