Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has defended his decision to oust McDonald Mariga as Vice President, citing Mariga's alleged desire to control all aspects of the federation. Mohammed claimed that Mariga wanted to be president and push him aside, and that he could not allow that to happen. Mariga was expelled as Vice President on Saturday, along with six other National Executive Committee (NEC) members.
Mariga has dismissed his removal, stating that he is still the duly elected Vice President and that the process was flawed. He claimed that he and his co-accused were not given an opportunity to be heard, and that 32 delegates allied to him were locked out of the meeting. Mariga has called on FIFA, CAF, and the Sports Registrar to scrutinize the proceedings, including delegate credentials, attendance, quorum, and the voting process.
Mohammed further alleged that Mariga wanted to serve in every committee and demanded a salary plus other perks that the federation could not afford. He claimed that Mariga travelled on almost all trips with the national teams, some of which Mohammed financed from his own pocket. Mohammed questioned where he was supposed to get the money for Mariga's salary, bodyguards, office secretary, and full-time driver.
Mariga's expulsion was a dramatic turn of events, with the Kenyan legend arriving at the Special General Meeting accompanied by officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit. The meeting lasted minutes before delegates overwhelmingly voted Mariga and the NEC members out. Mohammed stands by Mariga's removal, saying he does not regret what has happened to him.
The conflict between Mohammed and Mariga has led to a split in the FKF, with Mariga leading a faction and Mohammed leading another. The two have been at odds over control of the federation, with Mariga allegedly seeking to oust Mohammed and take control. The situation is likely to have implications for Kenyan football.
Mariga has vowed to challenge the purported resolutions and pursue all available constitutional remedies. He stated that the affected NEC members remain in office, and their constitutional mandates cannot be extinguished through an unlawful process. The outcome of the conflict remains uncertain, with the involvement of FIFA, CAF, and the Sports Registrar likely to play a significant role.
The controversy surrounding Mariga's ouster has sparked a heated debate in Kenyan football, with many calling for calm and stability in the sport. The FKF is expected to take steps to resolve the crisis and ensure the smooth running of the federation. The situation will continue to be monitored closely by football fans and stakeholders.
Key points
- McDonald Mariga was expelled as FKF Vice President on Saturday, along with six other National Executive Committee (NEC) members.
