As Kenya gears up for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections, scheduled for November and December 2024, five presidential aspirants have voiced significant concerns over the transparency and fairness of the voting process. Among the key figures leading this call for reform are former FKF President Sam Nyamweya, Jack Oguda, Hussein Mohammed, Tom Alila, and Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino. These candidates have outlined seven critical issues they believe must be addressed before the elections can proceed. During a press briefing on Thursday, October 3rd, former Kenya international Harold Ndege read a statement on their behalf, highlighting alleged manipulation of the voter register in 30 counties. This article delves into these concerns, the potential impact on the upcoming elections, and what the candidates are demanding to ensure a free and fair process.
Allegations of Voter Register Manipulation
One of the primary concerns raised by the aspirants is the alleged alteration of the voter register. According to Ndege, the voter register has been tampered with in 30 counties, affecting 372 delegates. This, they argue, compromises the fairness of the electoral process and undermines the legitimacy of the election. The voter register is a critical component of any election, as it determines who is eligible to participate in the voting process. Any changes or irregularities can have a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
“Altering the voter register undermines fairness. We have a situation where 30 counties have been affected, and the voter register has been manipulated, affecting 372 delegates,” Ndege said during the press conference.
The blatant manipulation of the FKF voter register threatens the integrity of our upcoming elections. Alongside my fellow FKF Presidential candidates, I call for immediate action from the FKF Electoral Board, Ministry of Sports, CAF, and FIFA.
We demand a transparent audit of… pic.twitter.com/rS86dRmZg4
— Hussein Mohammed (@husseinmoha) October 3, 2024
Distrust in the FKF Electoral Board
The second major concern revolves around the FKF Electoral Board’s ability to oversee a credible election. The aspirants claim that the board has failed to address the complaints raised by those affected, including clubs that have been turned away or kept waiting for hours. This has led to widespread distrust in the board’s impartiality. The candidates argue that the board, as it currently stands, cannot be relied upon to deliver a transparent electoral process.
“We also have an issue with the fact that the electoral board continues to operate at Kandanda House in a move that shows the lack of independence,” Ndege added.
Calls for the Involvement of IEBC or LSK
In response to these concerns, the aspirants have called for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) or the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to oversee the voting process. They believe that only an independent body, free from the influence of FKF officials, can guarantee a fair election. This demand underscores the aspirants’ lack of faith in the current electoral board and their desire for an impartial entity to manage the process.
Exclusion of Nick Mwendwa and Barry Otieno
Another key demand is the exclusion of FKF President Nick Mwendwa and CEO Barry Otieno from any involvement in the election process. The aspirants argue that their continued participation could compromise the independence of the elections. Mwendwa, who has served two terms as FKF President, is ineligible to run for a third term under Kenya’s Sports Act, which limits FKF officials to two terms in office. However, his influence over the current electoral process remains a point of contention.
Location of the Electoral Board
The candidates have also expressed concerns about the location of the FKF Electoral Board. They argue that holding the board’s operations at Kandanda House, FKF’s headquarters, compromises its independence. They are calling for the board to be relocated to a neutral venue to prevent any undue influence from FKF officials.
“The Ministry of Sports should immediately undertake to change the location of the board from Kandanda House, as there has already been a deliberate attempt to sabotage the entire process due to the current location,” Ndege stated.
Demands for Oversight and Transparency
In addition to these concerns, the aspirants are calling for greater oversight by both local and international stakeholders, including FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). They believe that strict oversight is necessary to guarantee a credible, transparent, and verifiable electoral process. The involvement of these international bodies would help ensure that the elections are conducted in accordance with global standards of transparency and fairness.
Financial Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement
Finally, the candidates are demanding transparency regarding the funding of the electoral process. They have requested that FKF inform stakeholders about the body that is funding the elections and whether the necessary funds have been made available. Additionally, they are calling for a roundtable meeting between the Electoral Board and stakeholders to discuss and endorse the electoral process.
A Call for Free and Fair Elections
The upcoming FKF elections are critical for the future of football in Kenya. With five presidential aspirants raising significant concerns about the integrity of the process, it is essential that these issues are addressed promptly to ensure a free and fair election. The demands put forward—ranging from the exclusion of key FKF officials to the involvement of independent bodies like the IEBC and LSK—highlight the need for transparency, impartiality, and accountability in the electoral process.
As the Ministry of Sports, FIFA, and CAF consider these concerns, the future of football governance in Kenya hangs in the balance. The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only impact the outcome of the FKF elections but also the trajectory of football development in the country.
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