Ex-Inter Milan star McDonald Mariga takes charge as interim Kenya Football Federation boss 

Former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga has been appointed as the acting president of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following the suspension of Hussein Rashid Mohammed amid a widening financial scandal.

Mariga’s elevation was confirmed on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a majority of FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) members passed a resolution directing the federation’s top leadership to step aside to allow for investigations into alleged financial impropriety, including the misappropriation of approximately KSh 42 million linked to the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The sweeping decision also saw Acting General Secretary Dennis Gicheru and NEC member Abdullahi Yussuf Ibrahim ordered to step aside, as pressure mounts within Kenyan football’s governing structures.

Mariga, who previously served as FKF Deputy President, is now tasked with steering the federation through one of its most turbulent periods in recent years.

His immediate mandate includes overseeing a proposed forensic audit into FKF’s financial operations and restoring confidence in the administration of the game.

The NEC further directed that all federation accounts associated with the suspended president be frozen, while calling for the appointment of an independent auditor to investigate alleged financial mismanagement, procurement breaches, and conflict of interest within the federation.

A key figure in Kenyan football history, Mariga enjoyed a successful playing career in Europe, most notably becoming the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League during his time with Inter Milan in 2010.

His appointment is expected to bring both leadership experience and global football pedigree at a critical time for the federation.

However, the situation remains fluid, with uncertainty surrounding the response of the suspended officials and the potential for further administrative or legal developments in the coming days.

Mariga now faces the immediate challenge of stabilising Kenyan football governance while ensuring that ongoing investigations proceed without interference.