The FKF crisis explained: Hussein vs Mariga, FIFA's warning, and the Meru meeting that could decide it
FIFA has declared illegal an FKF executive meeting called by vice president McDonald Mariga, days before a Special General Meeting in Meru on 7 November that could discipline or remove president Hussein Mohammed. Here is the fight, the charges, and why it matters with AFCON 2027 eight months away.
Kenyan football's governing body, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), is split between president Hussein Mohammed and his deputy, McDonald Mariga. This week brings two key moments.
What happened this week
Representatives of the FKF General Assembly serve Hussein with a notice listing six allegations and asking why he should not be disciplined or dismissed. Mariga convenes an executive committee meeting for 4 November.
FIFA writes to FKF declaring Mariga's 4 November meeting illegal, saying it relied on a May request that two signatories have since withdrawn, and that the FKF constitution's procedures were not followed.
Hussein's deadline to respond in writing to the allegations.
Special General Meeting at Three Steers Hotel, Meru, where the allegations may be considered.
The six allegations against Hussein
These are allegations, not findings. Hussein has the right to respond.
- Governance: no Annual General Meeting since May 2025, and resolutions not implemented.
- Finances: no approved 2026 budget, and incomplete action on bank signatories.
- Government money: about KSh30 million allegedly spent outside the approved framework for national teams and CHAN 2024 preparations.
- The league: alleged interference with league rules for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons.
- Appointments: including the General Secretary role and the Harambee Stars coach, allegedly made without proper approval.
- Minutes: alleged changes to official meeting records, and use of unconfirmed minutes in court in June 2026.
How did it get here?
The rift has run for most of 2026. In April, a faction moved to suspend Hussein and install Mariga as acting president; the Sports Disputes Tribunal froze that takeover. Each side has accused the other of breaking the rules, and the delays have hit the domestic league.
Why it matters
- AFCON 2027: Kenya co-hosts the tournament in June and July 2027. A divided federation makes planning, team preparation and dealing with CAF harder. See is East Africa ready?
- FIFA rules: FIFA requires federations to be run independently and by their own constitutions. Long disputes have led to suspensions elsewhere, though FIFA has not threatened that here.
- Players and clubs: uncertainty over league rules, promotion and relegation hurts players' livelihoods.
Related: the new Talanta stadium.
