In a surprising twist, Barry Otieno, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), has officially declared his candidacy for the FKF presidency just days after stepping down from his previous role. Otieno’s resignation on 8 October 2024, citing work-related pressure, left many wondering about the true reasons behind his departure, especially given the long-standing rumors that he was eyeing the top seat at Kandanda House.
As the FKF presidential race heats up ahead of the December elections, Otieno’s candidacy has stirred mixed reactions within Kenyan football circles. His resignation, which initially appeared to be motivated by personal and professional fatigue, is now being seen as a calculated move to launch his campaign for the federation’s presidency.
The Drama Behind Otieno’s Resignation
Otieno’s decision to step down from his position as FKF CEO came as a shock to many, particularly because he had served in the role for five years, playing a pivotal role in the federation’s operations. Throughout his tenure, Otieno worked closely with the current FKF president, Nick Mwendwa. Their relationship was seen as one of mutual trust and collaboration, but reports of a fallout between the two surfaced as Otieno’s time at the federation came to an end.
Rumors of tensions between Otieno and Mwendwa had been circulating for months. Sources close to the federation suggested that Otieno’s departure was the result of increasing friction with the president. Although neither party has publicly acknowledged the root of their differences, insiders speculate that Otieno’s growing ambition to ascend to the presidency may have contributed to the strain in their relationship.
A social media post that briefly appeared on the official Harambee Stars X account further fueled the speculation. The post harshly criticized Otieno, calling him a “toxic bully” and a “top-notch liar.” The post was quickly deleted, but not before it went viral, sparking debates about the internal dynamics of the FKF and the potential fallout between Otieno and Mwendwa.
Otieno’s Presidential Vision
Despite the controversy surrounding his resignation, Barry Otieno has wasted no time in launching his campaign for the FKF presidency. In a statement to the media, Otieno outlined his vision for Kenyan football, emphasizing his experience as both FKF General Secretary and CEO as critical to his leadership ambitions.
“I wish to announce my candidacy for the presidency of the Football Kenya Federation. After serving as the federation’s General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer for the past five years, I have decided to take this step with a vision to elevate Kenyan football to new heights,” Otieno said.
Otieno’s campaign is built on four key pillars aimed at transforming the state of football in Kenya:
- Empowering Football Clubs: Otieno has pledged to provide more support to local clubs, ensuring they have the resources and infrastructure to compete at both national and regional levels. He believes that strengthening clubs is the foundation for improving the overall quality of football in the country.
- Improving Governance: Governance has been a contentious issue in Kenyan football, with accusations of mismanagement and corruption plaguing the FKF. Otieno has promised to bring greater transparency and accountability to the federation if elected, with a focus on cleaning up the administrative processes and creating a more inclusive leadership structure.
TunaKusort. Deposit kati ya KES. 100 na KES. 1000 upate 100% Bonus - Grassroots Development: Otieno has placed significant emphasis on the need to invest in grassroots football. His plan involves creating youth development programs across the country, providing opportunities for young talent to be nurtured and developed. He views this as the key to producing future stars who can compete on the international stage.
- Holistic Development of the Game: Otieno is also focusing on the overall growth of football in Kenya. This includes expanding the reach of women’s football, enhancing football facilities, and ensuring that the sport becomes more accessible to all, regardless of gender or economic background.
The Presidential Race Heats Up
Otieno’s announcement has added a new layer of intrigue to the FKF presidential race. He will face stiff competition from several other candidates, all of whom bring their own vision for the future of Kenyan football. Some of the notable contenders include:
- Hussein Mohammed: A former FKF executive who has promised to focus on player welfare and the commercialization of the Kenyan football league.
- Cleophas Shimanyula: A seasoned football administrator with a strong following, particularly among grassroots football enthusiasts.
- Jack Oguda: A long-time football official who has worked in various capacities within the Kenyan Premier League.
With so many strong candidates in the race, Otieno’s experience and track record at the FKF may give him an edge, but the controversies surrounding his departure from the CEO role could also pose challenges to his campaign.
Otieno’s Relationship with Nick Mwendwa
One of the most talked-about aspects of Otieno’s candidacy is his relationship with Nick Mwendwa, the current FKF president. For years, the two worked closely together, with Mwendwa often praising Otieno’s efforts in managing the federation’s day-to-day affairs. However, as Otieno’s presidential ambitions became more apparent, their relationship reportedly soured.
Mwendwa has yet to announce whether he will seek re-election or back a candidate. His silence has left many speculating about who he will support in the upcoming polls. If Mwendwa chooses not to run, his endorsement could significantly influence the outcome of the race.
The Road Ahead
As the FKF prepares for its presidential elections in December, the focus will be on the candidates’ platforms and their ability to address the challenges facing Kenyan football. Barry Otieno’s decision to run for the presidency has already sparked heated debates, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining his chances of success.
Otieno’s experience within the FKF and his ambitious plans for Kenyan football position him as a strong contender. However, he will need to overcome the controversies surrounding his resignation and prove that he is the right person to lead the federation into a new era of growth and success.
The December elections will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched events in Kenyan football, with the future of the sport hanging in the balance.
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