FKF Electoral Board Demands Unpaid Dues Amid Allegations of Financial Mismanagement, Media Manipulation
Members of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Electoral Board have accused the federation of failing to settle their dues months after overseeing elections hailed as transparent and credible.
The board, which managed the polls that saw President Hussein Mohammed re-elected in October 2023, claims only partial payments were made despite promises of full compensation, leaving members in financial distress.
In a scathing revelation, board members disclosed that repeated attempts to seek clarification from FKF CEO Patrick Korir and President Hussein Mohammed have been ignored. “We dedicated weeks to ensure a fair process, yet our legitimate dues remain unpaid. Some of us are now personally struggling,” a board member told Nation Sport, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals.
The FKF has reportedly cited financial constraints as the reason for the delay. However, insiders question this explanation, pointing to frequent international trips by top officials, including President Hussein and newly elected Deputy McDonald Mariga, whose travel expenses allegedly strain the federation’s coffers.
Sources also allege that Hussein hosted a clandestine meeting with select journalists in December 2023, offering monetary incentives to suppress negative coverage of FKF’s governance struggles.
The electoral board’s plight has been compounded by the resignation of its chairman, Hesbon Owilla, in late 2023, and unresolved logistical challenges in conducting postponed county elections in Nyamira and Homa Bay.
These polls, initially slated for November, were delayed due to court injunctions filed by disgruntled aspirants questioning candidate eligibility. With the board’s future in limbo, fears are mounting that fresh elections in these regions could lack oversight, further eroding trust in Kenya’s football governance.
Broader Financial Controversies
The payment dispute adds to a litany of financial controversies dogging the FKF. In 2022, the federation faced scrutiny after audits revealed mismanagement of FIFA grants meant for grassroots development. Critics, including sports economist Edwin Ouko, argue that the current leadership’s priorities are misplaced. “How can officials jet-set globally while basic obligations like election costs go unmet? This reflects systemic mismanagement,” Ouko stated.
Meanwhile, attempts by the electoral board to publicize their grievances through mainstream media have reportedly been stifled, with editors at major outlets allegedly pressured to avoid critical reporting on the FKF.
This aligns with longstanding accusations of media manipulation by the federation, including claims of withheld accreditation for journalists who criticize its operations.
Stakes for Kenyan Football
The standoff threatens to undermine Kenya’s efforts to regain FIFA’s confidence after a 2022 suspension over government interference. A botched electoral process could trigger fresh sanctions, jeopardizing Kenya’s participation in international competitions and access to development funds.
Board members are now demanding urgent settlement of dues, warning that unpaid officials may refuse to oversee future polls. “If those tasked with safeguarding electoral integrity are treated as expendable, Kenya’s football reforms will remain a mirage,” said former board member Agnes Amondi.
As pressure mounts, the FKF has yet to issue a formal statement. For now, the electoral board’s unresolved grievances cast a shadow over Kenya’s football future, exposing deep-seated governance flaws that risk sidelining the sport’s credibility.
Key Points
- Unpaid Dues: Electoral board members claim partial payment despite promises; FKF cites financial strain.
- Leadership Controversies: Officials’ international trips clash with unpaid obligations; alleged bribes to journalists.
- Election Delays: Nyamira and Homa Bay polls stalled by court cases; logistical gaps threaten credibility.
- Media Suppression: Editors reportedly pressured to avoid critical coverage of FKF.
- FIFA Risks: Unresolved issues could jeopardize Kenya’s standing in global football.
Follow updates on this developing story via [http://kenyanewspaper.co.ke].
