Mariga and Six Allies Expelled from Football Kenya Federation

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has expelled Deputy President McDonald Mariga and six other members of its National Executive Committee (NEC) following a high-stakes Special General Meeting (SGM) held in Meru on Saturday.

The decision was reached by the FKF General Assembly, the federation's supreme decision-making organ, following months of internal disagreements and a bitter leadership dispute involving FKF President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy.

The seven officials were removed following deliberations over allegations of serious and repeated violations of the FKF Constitution and applicable FIFA regulations.

According to reports, at least 65 delegates voted in favour of Mariga's expulsion during the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.

Seven Officials Expelled

Those affected by the decision include:

1. McDonald Mariga Wanyama – FKF Deputy President.
2. Violet Kerubo Momanyi – Women Representative.
3. Gabriel Mghendi – Coast NEC Representative.
4. Daniel Akala Shikanda – Nairobi NEC Representative.
5. Collins Opiyo Kalee – Nyanza NEC Representative.
6. Robert Kenneth Macharia – Central NEC Representative.
7. Bernard Korir Lagat – Upper Rift Valley NEC Representative.

The General Assembly considered several issues, including the disputed NEC resolutions of April 24, 2026, which sought to suspend FKF President Hussein Mohammed, Acting General Secretary Dennis Gicheru and nominated NEC member Abdullahi Yusuf Ibrahim.

Other matters reportedly included alleged failure to attend duly convened NEC meetings, unauthorised communication on behalf of the federation and conduct considered inconsistent with FKF's constitutional requirements.

FKF indicated that the seven officials could still face additional sanctions from the federation's judicial bodies, CAF and FIFA.

Meru Meeting Marred by Chaos and Teargas

The expulsion decision followed a chaotic morning at Three Steers Hotel in Meru, where the Special General Meeting had been scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.

Proceedings were disrupted after police officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) intervened at the venue and reportedly fired teargas, forcing delegates and other attendees to leave the meeting hall.

Hundreds of youths had reportedly gathered around the hotel, while some individuals were said to have occupied sections of the premises.

Mariga arrived under heavy police security as tensions escalated, with reports of confrontations involving individuals supporting different factions within the federation.

Despite the disruption, delegates eventually proceeded with the meeting and considered the agenda concerning the conduct and position of the seven NEC members.

The Dispute Between Hussein Mohammed and Mariga

The latest developments mark another major chapter in the leadership dispute that erupted in April 2026.

On April 24, a faction of NEC members led by Mariga passed resolutions seeking to suspend Hussein Mohammed and two other federation officials over allegations connected to a KSh42.48 million insurance arrangement involving the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The move was challenged by Hussein's faction, leading to legal intervention by the Sports Disputes Tribunal and the High Court, which issued orders restraining the implementation of the disputed resolutions pending determination of the legal proceedings.

FIFA also raised concerns about whether the required constitutional procedures had been followed.

The disagreements subsequently paralysed sections of the federation's administration, with competing positions and disagreements over the legitimacy of various NEC decisions.

FIFA and CAF Presence at the Meeting

Representatives from FIFA and CAF attended the Meru gathering as observers, alongside representatives of the Kenyan government.

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

The latest decision now raises important questions about the future composition of the FKF leadership, the management of the federation and the possibility of further legal challenges.

What Next for Kenyan Football?

The expulsion of Mariga and his six allies represents a significant development in the administration of Kenyan football.

However, attention will now shift to the implementation of the General Assembly's resolutions, possible appeals and any further action by FKF, FIFA or CAF.

The leadership dispute has unfolded at a particularly sensitive time for Kenyan football, with preparations for AFCON 2027 and the development of the domestic game requiring institutional stability.

Whether the latest decision will bring lasting unity or trigger another round of legal and administrative battles remains to be seen.