Kenyan football legend McDonald Mariga has been expelled as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president following a unanimous vote at a chaotic meeting in Meru. The meeting, attended by FKF delegates, was held to discuss Mariga's conduct alongside six other National Executive Committee (NEC) members. The decision was made amid a dispute that started in April 2026, when Mariga led eight other NEC members in a meeting that resolved to suspend FKF president Hussein Mohammed, NEC member Yusuf Ibrahim, and acting CEO Dennis Gacheru.
The dispute led to a series of events, with FIFA rejecting the resolutions of the meeting, citing that due process was not followed. FIFA urged the warring parties to dialogue, but several attempts to bring them to the table proved futile, leading to the meeting in Meru. The meeting was delayed for three hours after goons stormed the venue, claiming that delegates allied to Mariga had been locked out. Security personnel then stormed the venue, lobbing teargas, while Mariga arrived under tight security but did not join the meeting.
The meeting started at midday, with the charges read, and delegates were asked to vote on the expulsion of each of the seven NEC members. Only AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani voted against the removal of the members, with 65 others voting to kick out Mariga and his faction. The delegates also voted for further disciplinary action to be taken against the expelled members. Mariga and the others were accused of misconduct, but details of the allegations are not publicly available.
The expulsion of Mariga and the others has significant implications for Kenyan football. Attention now shifts to who will replace Mariga as FKF vice president, with reports claiming that former Harambee Stars striker Allan Wanga is being fronted for the position. Wanga's potential appointment could bring a new dynamic to the FKF, but it is unclear how his candidacy will be received by other stakeholders.
The Mariga-led team is expected to challenge their expulsion in court, adding another layer of intrigue to the drama that has been witnessed in Kenyan football this year. The court challenge could lead to a prolonged dispute, potentially destabilizing the FKF further. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what the consequences will be for Kenyan football.
The FKF has been embroiled in controversy for much of 2026, with various factions vying for control. The expulsion of Mariga and the others is the latest development in a series of power struggles that have plagued the organization. It is unclear how the FKF will move forward, but it is clear that the organization needs to address its internal conflicts to move forward.
The situation has sparked concern among stakeholders, with some calling for calm and dialogue. AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani expressed his disappointment with the events that unfolded, stating that he believed there was still room for Mariga and the others to sit down and discuss their differences. The FKF must navigate this complex situation carefully to avoid further destabilization and ensure the continued growth and development of Kenyan football.
Key points
- McDonald Mariga expelled as FKF vice president amid chaotic meeting
- Allan Wanga fronted as potential replacement for Mariga
- Mariga-led team to challenge expulsion in court
