Reports have been circulating on social media suggesting a rift within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) leadership, with claims that FKF vice president McDonald Mariga has been secretly removed from his position.
Additional reports allege that Mariga has been replaced by National Executive Council member Abdalla Yusuf, who was purportedly installed by FKF president Hussein Mohammed.
Speculation intensified following Mariga’s noticeable absence from recent key FKF meetings, while Abdalla Yusuf has frequently appeared alongside Hussein Mohammed, seemingly assisting in official capacities.
“FKF Vice President Macdonald Mariga has been silently replaced by Yusuf in a clear move to have their way. The legend has been forthright, but they want their own people in charge who cannot question anything,” Collins Okinyo wrote on his X.
“FKF business being conducted in a posh office in Karen, being paid Ksh 100,000, yet there is Kandanda House.”
Hussein Mohammed Denies Ousting Mariga as FKF Vice President
However, FKF President Hussein Mohammed has dismissed the reports, urging the public to disregard what he termed as misinformation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 22, Hussein flagged Okinyo’s post as fake and attached a FAKE Stamp on it.
He emphasized that the federation’s current focus remains on preparing for a successful hosting of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
“Kindly disregard misinformation circulating on social media. FKF is an institution guided by its constitution, which we strictly adhere to,” he said.
“Our focus remains on delivering a successful CHAN 2024 and raising the standards of Kenyan Football.”
Also Read: Benni McCarthy Powerless as Powerful People Call Up Harambee Stars Team
A spot check by The Kenya Times on the Inside FIFA portal confirms that Donald Mariga is listed as the Vice President of FKF.
Despite rumors of being ‘replaced,’ Macdonald Mariga has neither resigned as FKF Vice President nor indicated any intention to do so.
Harambee Stars Withdraws from Tournament
This comes just a day after the Kenya National Football Team, Harambee Stars, withdrew from the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Four Nations Tournament—scheduled from Monday, July 21 to Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania.
The tournament featured CHAN 2024 co-hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
In a statement issued on Monday, FKF said Harambee Stars had pulled out of the tournament following recommendations from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy.
Also Read: Harambee Stars Withdraw From Cecafa Four Nations Tournament
The team, which had already arrived in Tanzania, landed in Nairobi in the early hours of Tuesday, 22 July, morning to resume preparations for CHAN 2024.
“This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparation,” read the FKF statement.
“The team will return to Kenya and resume preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, with full focus now shifting to ensuring optimal readiness for the assignment ahead.”
Of particular concern to McCarthy were the substandard hotel conditions, the absence of a proper training ground, and the lack of basic amenities such as internet access, a vital communication tool in modern team operations.
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