Mariga raises red flag as FKF crisis threatens AFCON 2027 plans

A fresh storm is engulfing the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after the National Executive Committee (NEC) formally raised alarm over what it describes as deep-rooted systemic governance failures, recommending that several senior officials step aside to pave way for investigations.

In a detailed report addressed to the Ministry of Sports, the NEC—through Vice President McDonald Mariga—outlined a litany of concerns touching on financial mismanagement, procurement irregularities, and institutional breakdown within the federation.

Mariga said the decision to ask implicated individuals to step aside was necessary to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations.

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"This decision was informed by the gravity of the allegations, the seniority of the offices involved, and the need to safeguard the integrity of the investigative process from potential interference," Mariga said.

The NEC revealed that the matter has already been referred to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for independent inquiry, with the federation pledging full cooperation.

"We have formally referred these matters to the EACC and stand ready to provide all relevant documentation and evidence," Mariga stated. "The Federation remains committed to transparency and accountability."

At the heart of the dispute is what the NEC terms a breakdown in financial oversight and budgetary governance.

According to the report, no budgets have been presented to the NEC since February 2025, despite ongoing national team engagements and government-funded programmes.

"The Federation exhibits deliberately weakened controls and diminished accountability mechanisms," Mariga said, adding that the Finance Committee had been sidelined from key decisions.

The report further alleges manipulation of NEC minutes to remove critical financial safeguards, including the elimination of a third-tier signatory requirement.

"There is evidence of deliberate alteration of NEC minutes to remove key accountability provisions," Mariga noted.

The NEC also raised red flags over alleged irregular procurement practices, including payments to non-prequalified companies and lack of competitive bidding processes.

"Arbitrary payments have been made to entities without NEC approval, undermining procurement integrity," Mariga said.

Particular concern was raised over the handling of public funds through the Harambee Stars Management Board account, which the NEC claims has operated without oversight.

"The NEC has neither been furnished with bank statements nor apprised of transactions undertaken through this account," Mariga stated.

The report highlights an irregular insurance arrangement for CHAN 2024, involving an unlicensed broker and payments amounting to over Sh42 million.

"This transaction raises serious concerns, including conflict of interest and possible misrepresentation of procurement processes," Mariga said.

Additionally, the Auditor-General flagged irregularities in a Sh30.6 million charter flight deal, citing missing documentation.

"Key procurement records were not provided for audit, making it impossible to verify value for money," Mariga added.

Beyond financial issues, the NEC warned of parallel governance structures and interference in the federation’s secretariat operations, undermining established administrative processes.

"There is emerging evidence of external interference and competing authority structures within FKF," Mariga said.

He further cited the exclusion of key officials from FIFA and CAF meetings as detrimental to the federation’s operations.

"This has led to missed opportunities for capacity building and implementation of critical resolutions," Mariga noted.

The NEC cautioned that the ongoing crisis could jeopardize Kenya’s readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"These governance challenges pose a real threat to compliance with CAF and FIFA requirements," Mariga warned. "They risk damaging Kenya’s credibility as a host nation."

He added that diminished stakeholder confidence could affect funding and partnerships crucial for tournament preparations.

"We must restore legality, strengthen oversight, and embed a culture of accountability across all levels of the Federation," Mariga said.

He emphasised that stepping aside of conflicted officials is key to restoring trust. "Such officials may only resume their duties upon being formally cleared," Mariga concluded.

The Ministry of Sports is yet to respond publicly to the NEC’s report, as pressure mounts for decisive action to stabilize Kenyan football’s governing body.