Kenya FA denies replacing McDonald Mariga as vice-president after mass expulsion of seven NEC members

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has dismissed reports that it has appointed new officials to fill the leadership positions left vacant following the expulsion of vice-president McDonald Mariga and six other National Executive Committee (NEC) members.

The federation insists that no replacements have been appointed, including for the vice-presidential position, following Saturday’s Special General Meeting (SGM) in Meru, where delegates voted to remove seven NEC members amid an escalating leadership dispute.

The clarification comes as uncertainty surrounds the federation’s leadership structure following the controversial meeting, which has further heightened tensions between Mariga and FKF president Hussein Mohammed.

In a statement, FKF rejected claims circulating about new appointments, stressing that any changes to its leadership must follow the procedures outlined in its constitution.

“Contrary to reports and claims doing the rounds, no appointments have been made to fill the vacant positions, including that of the Vice President,” the federation stated.

The governing body added that it would communicate any decisions through its official channels after completing the necessary constitutional processes.

Mariga and six NEC members expelled

Mariga was among seven officials expelled by FKF delegates during the SGM held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, bringing his tenure as the federation’s vice-president to an abrupt end.

The former Kenya international was removed alongside Women’s Representative Kerubo Momanyi, Nairobi NEC member Dan Shikanda, Coast representative Gabriel Mghendi, Nyanza representative Collins Opiyo Kalee, Central representative Robert Macharia and Upper Rift Valley representative Bernard Lagat.

Confirming the decision, FKF said the General Assembly had approved the expulsion of all seven officials, while leaving the possibility of further disciplinary measures open.

“The FKF General Assembly has resolved to expel seven NEC members following the Special General Meeting held in Meru on Saturday, 7 November 2026. The Congress further agreed that the seven remain subject to any additional sanctions by the judicial bodies of FKF, CAF and FIFA,” the federation said.

The expulsions represent a significant development in the ongoing power struggle between Mariga and Mohammed, with the federation now facing the task of addressing the vacancies created by the decision.

Chaos and security concerns overshadow Meru meeting

The meeting was preceded by tense scenes in Meru, with reports of violence, intimidation and security concerns surrounding the venue.

More than 100 youths were reportedly gathered around the meeting location in the early hours of Saturday, prompting police intervention as tensions escalated ahead of the proceedings.

Mariga, who arrived at the venue under tight security, alleged that some delegates allied to him had been attacked with stones and prevented from entering the premises.

“Some chairmen and delegates are locked outside, goons have chased them away, so I have to bring them here,” he said.

FKF also raised concerns about the security arrangements, claiming that an operation by the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) disrupted proceedings despite delegates having assembled and being ready for the meeting.

The circumstances surrounding the gathering added to the controversy over the legitimacy and conduct of the proceedings, with the leadership dispute taking another dramatic turn.

FKF warns against misinformation over vacant positions

With speculation mounting over who could assume the vacant roles, FKF has urged the media to exercise caution and verify information before publishing reports about developments within the federation.

The governing body maintained that its constitution provides clear procedures for addressing vacancies and insisted that any appointments would be made in accordance with the relevant regulations.

It also called on journalists to uphold professional standards, warning against the circulation of unverified claims.

“The federation has well-established constitutional procedures and processes that guide its operations, including the filling of vacant leadership positions,” the statement added.

“Any decisions in this regard will be undertaken in accordance with the FKF Constitution and applicable regulations and communicated through official federation channels.”

FKF further reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and due process as it manages the fallout from the expulsions.