In a bold move that raises serious questions about the compliance of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) with the country’s sports laws, CEO Barry Otieno has delivered an official convocation letter to the Registrar of Sports, Madam Rose Wasike, just in time for the federation’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for March 16, 2024.
However, the contents of this letter and the accompanying documents have sparked controversy and intensified concerns about the FKF’s adherence to the Sports Act 2013.
The Kenyan Government, through the Registrar of Sports, had explicitly communicated that compliance with the Sports Act 2013 was non-negotiable. Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba echoed this sentiment during a meeting with all federation leaders, emphasizing the imperative to follow the rule of law.
Despite these directives, the convocation letter released by FKF CEO Barry Otieno, signed by President Nick Mwendwa and Deputy Doris Petra, includes the controversial electoral code of 2020.
The electoral code, which has faced criticism from the Sports Disputes Tribunal, County Football Associations, stakeholders, and fans nationwide, notably fails to acknowledge or adhere to the Sports Act.
The government, through the Registrar of Sports, had issued a stern warning, asserting its authority to deregister the federation and revoke its certificate if it failed to comply with the Sports Act. Astonishingly, these warnings have been blatantly ignored by Nick Mwendwa and the FKF leadership.
As the FKF dares the government to act, the onus is now on the authorities to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the country’s laws. The specter of a potential FIFA ban looms over FKF due to government interference, making it a critical juncture for both the federation and the government to show where they stand on legal compliance and the integrity of Kenyan sports governance.
The nation awaits the government’s response, watching closely as the ball is firmly in their court.
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