The football landscape in Kenya has been embroiled in a series of developments, as FIFA’s ultimatum to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to vacate the Goal Project offices by October 17th, 2024, approaches. The recent actions and statements by key stakeholders have sparked discussions on the transparency and integrity of the electoral process within the FKF.
In a recent opinion piece, Wilfred Marori, the Secretary General of the Nairobi County Football Association, highlighted concerns regarding the FKF’s handling of the upcoming elections. Marori’s remarks shed light on the complexities surrounding the process and underscored the need for clarity and adherence to established protocols.
FIFA, in its efforts to ensure fair and transparent elections within member associations, dispatched delegates to Kenya to oversee the annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled for last Saturday. However, legal actions taken by the FKF, seeking to halt rulings on a contempt of court case, resulted in a postponement of the AGM. These actions, as pointed out by Marori, raise questions about the FKF’s commitment to due process and accountability.
Of particular concern is the FKF’s announcement of a Special General Meeting slated for mid-April 2024, despite pending legal determinations. Marori rightfully questions the feasibility of such a meeting and suggests that the FKF may be preempting outcomes, which could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Marori emphasizes that even if the FKF were to proceed with elections, the constitutional requirement of having an electoral board in place six months prior remains unmet. This raises doubts about the FKF’s ability to meet FIFA’s deadline and conduct elections that adhere to established standards. Marori’s call for FIFA to engage the government in establishing a normalization committee to oversee elections reflects a growing sentiment among stakeholders regarding the need for external intervention.
The concerns raised by Marori extend beyond timelines; they encompass fundamental issues related to the electoral process itself. Allegations of compromised electoral codes, discrepancies in the voters’ register, and disagreements over the electoral board further cloud the legitimacy of the process.
In light of these developments, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with FIFA, is urged to invoke Article 54 of the Sports Act 2013 to appoint a normalization committee. Such a committee, as advocated by Marori, could provide the necessary oversight and ensure that elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, and timely manner.
As the football fraternity awaits further developments, it is imperative that all stakeholders prioritize the interests of the sport and work collaboratively to uphold the principles of good governance and integrity. As Wilfred Marori aptly states, “You can run but you can’t escape the truth.” Indeed, transparency, accountability, and adherence to established protocols are essential in safeguarding the future of football in Kenya.
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