Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga has issued a strong appeal for order and unity in Kenyan football, warning that ongoing governance disputes risk undermining preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a public notice on August 31, Mariga addressed the issue amid growing uncertainty over the start of the 2026/27 Kenyan Premier League season, after FKF postponed all opening-round fixtures scheduled between August 31 and September 2.
The former Harambee Stars captain expressed concern over the state of the game, saying the continued wrangling has left clubs, players and supporters in limbo.
“As a former footballer and captain of the Harambee Stars, I am extremely saddened by the current state of affairs in Kenyan football and, in particular, the continued uncertainty surrounding the resumption of our leagues,” said Mariga.
He noted that football should unite stakeholders rather than divide them through disputes over governance, regulations and institutional authority.
The latest crisis stems from disagreements over promotion and relegation rules that have delayed the start of the new season and triggered a series of legal battles.
Kariobangi Sharks challenged FKF’s application of the 2025 promotion and relegation regulations after finishing 16th in the league.
Under the previous 2019 rules, the club would have been entitled to a relegation-promotion playoff, but the new regulations introduced an automatic three-up, three-down system.
League Start Thrown Into Uncertainty
The dispute moved from the Sports Disputes Tribunal to the High Court, with conflicting interpretations over which regulations should govern the 2026/27 season.
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Last week, the High Court in Murang’a directed that the new season proceed under the FKF 2019 Rules and Regulations pending determination of the main petition challenging the 2025 rules.
The court’s position appeared to clear the way for the league to kick off. However, FKF later postponed all Round One matches, saying it needed more consultations with clubs and league sponsors.
The postponement affected several high-profile fixtures, including Gor Mahia’s scheduled opener against Murang’a SEAL, AFC Leopards’ clash with Bandari and Kenya Police’s meeting with Migori Youth.
The continued uncertainty has drawn criticism from stakeholders who argue that clubs have already invested heavily in preseason preparations and require clarity on the competition calendar.
Mariga said recent court directions had provided important guidance on the application of the FKF 2019 regulations, including mandatory playoffs.
“This clarity should now provide an opportunity for all parties to step back, respect the decisions of the courts and, most importantly, work together towards an orderly and lawful resolution,” he said.
The FKF vice president maintained that the issue should not be viewed as a contest between rival factions.
“The issue before us should not be about who wins and who loses. Kenyan football must win,” he stated.
AFCON Preparations Raise Stakes
Mariga warned that the timing of the dispute could not be worse given Kenya’s preparations to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
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He said the country risks damaging confidence among sponsors, players and football fans if instability continues within domestic football structures.
“We cannot afford to enter such an important period with our domestic football distracted by avoidable institutional disputes,” he said.
Mariga further urged stakeholders to use existing constitutional mechanisms to resolve disagreements instead of resorting to prolonged litigation.
According to him, no individual, office or faction should place itself above the FKF Constitution, which he described as the foundation of football governance in the country.
He also stressed the need for properly constituted administrative structures before the league resumes, saying clubs deserve certainty regarding competition rules, structures and scheduling.
As Kenya intensifies preparations for AFCON 2027, Mariga said the football community must show that it can resolve disputes maturely and put the interests of the game first.
Mariga ended his appeal with a direct message to football stakeholders
“The football season must return. Our clubs deserve to play. Our players deserve to compete. Our fans deserve football. Let us talk before we litigate. Let us consult before we decide. Let us follow the Constitution before we create new disputes,” he said.
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