The much-anticipated Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Electoral Board was officially unveiled today, marking the beginning of preparations for the FKF elections. The board, which will oversee the electoral process, is chaired by academician Hesbon Owilla, with lawyer Marceline Sande serving as the secretary. Former AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Mule and Communication Expert Alfred Nganga are also members of the board.

In response to the unveiling, FKF presidential candidate Hussein Mohammed released a statement reaffirming his commitment to supporting the board’s efforts to deliver a transparent, free, fair, and credible election that will restore the integrity of Kenyan football. However, he raised serious concerns over key issues that must be addressed to ensure the elections reflect the will of football stakeholders across the country.

Key Concerns Highlighted

One of the main issues Mohammed raised in his statement is the manipulation of the voter register. He expressed acute awareness of past and ongoing attempts by certain individuals within the FKF Secretariat to interfere with the register, calling for transparency and public access to safeguard it from tampering. “The voter register must be made public, transparent, and safeguarded from tampering to ensure that every eligible voter has a fair say in this election,” Mohammed said.

Another significant concern was the independence of the FKF Electoral Board. Mohammed emphasized that the board must operate from a neutral location, independent of Kandanda House, to avoid undue influence by current FKF officials, many of whom are also contenders in the elections. He urged the board to demonstrate its independence by physically distancing itself from FKF headquarters during the electoral process.

Call for IEBC Involvement

In a strong statement, Mohammed also called on the FKF Electoral Board to involve the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in running the elections. He stressed that the IEBC has the technical expertise and experience necessary to oversee a credible and transparent election, ensuring professionalism and impartiality throughout the process.

Grassroots Disputes and Compliance

Mohammed further highlighted the importance of resolving electoral disputes and grievances at the grassroots level rather than centralizing them in Nairobi. This, he said, would empower local football stakeholders and ensure their voices are heard. Additionally, he urged the board to fully comply with the provisions of the Sports Act 2013 and the FKF constitution.

Accessibility of Polling Stations

Lastly, Mohammed raised concerns about the accessibility of polling stations, particularly for grassroots elections. He demanded that polling stations be located at county headquarters to enhance fairness and accessibility for football delegates and voters, minimizing logistical challenges and potential intimidation.

Commitment to Accountability

While welcoming the release of the election roadmap, Mohammed was firm in his resolve to hold the FKF Electoral Board accountable if it fails to uphold the principles of transparency, fairness, and integrity. He emphasized that the future of Kenyan football depends on a credible electoral process, and his camp remains fully committed to ensuring that the elections reflect the true will of football stakeholders.

The unveiling of the FKF Electoral Board signals the official start of preparations for what is set to be a closely watched election, with the future of Kenyan football hanging in the balance.