Drama, Teargas as FKF Special General Meeting Erupts into Chaos in Meru

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Special General Meeting (SGM) in Meru descended into chaos on Saturday after police officers reportedly fired teargas inside the meeting venue, disrupting proceedings and raising fresh concerns over the federation's deepening leadership crisis.

The meeting, which was scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at Three Steers Hotel in Meru, was thrown into uncertainty after officers from the Police Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) moved into the premises amid heightened tensions.

According to reports from the scene, hundreds of youths had gathered around the hotel, while security officers attempted to clear parts of the premises and facilitate access for accredited delegates.

The situation escalated when police reportedly discharged teargas inside the meeting room, forcing delegates and other attendees to scramble for safety.

McDonald Mariga Arrives Under Heavy Security

Tensions were further heightened by the arrival of FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga, who was escorted into the hotel under heavy security.

Video footage circulating online showed Mariga arriving in a police vehicle before officers intervened to prevent a confrontation with a man who appeared to approach him.

The incident highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the meeting, which had attracted significant attention from football stakeholders.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed was also present at the venue as the situation continued to unfold.

Leadership Dispute at the Centre of the Meeting

The Special General Meeting was convened against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter dispute within the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC), particularly between President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy, McDonald Mariga.

One of the key issues expected to feature on the agenda was the conduct of seven NEC members, including Mariga, alongside deliberations on resolutions adopted by the committee on April 24, 2026.

The dispute intensified following resolutions by a faction led by Mariga to suspend President Hussein Mohammed, Acting General Secretary Dennis Gicheru and nominated NEC member Abdullahi Yusuf over allegations relating to a KSh42.48 million insurance fraud involving the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The federation challenged the resolutions, with the Sports Disputes Tribunal and the High Court subsequently issuing injunctions restraining their implementation pending the determination of the legal dispute.

The controversy has continued to expose divisions within the federation, raising questions about governance, accountability and the stability of football administration in Kenya.

FIFA and CAF Representatives Expected to Attend

The meeting was also expected to attract representatives from FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Kenyan government in an observer capacity.

Their anticipated presence underscored the significance of the gathering, particularly as Kenya continues preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The disruption, however, raises concerns about the federation's ability to resolve its internal disagreements through established constitutional and governance procedures.

FKF Meeting Reportedly Cancelled Amid Unrest

The unfolding security situation cast serious doubt over whether delegates would be able to conduct the meeting as planned.

Subsequent media reports indicated that the meeting was cancelled following the violent scenes at the hotel. The disruption also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding police involvement and the ability of accredited delegates to participate freely in the federation's decision-making process.

The FKF is yet to overcome the internal divisions that have continued to affect its leadership and operations.

Questions Over the Future of Kenyan Football

The events in Meru come at a critical time for Kenyan football, with the country preparing for major international responsibilities, including the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Football stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the federation addresses the leadership dispute, restores confidence in its governance structures and ensures that future constitutional meetings take place without intimidation or disruption.

For now, the scenes witnessed in Meru have once again placed FKF's leadership and governance under intense scrutiny.