As the Football Federation of Kenya (FKF) election approaches, candidates have expressed their interest in the presidency aiming to replace the incumbent President Nick Mwendwa.
Among those eyeing the FKF presidency are Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed, former footballer Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino and Gor Mahia Secretary-General Sam Ocholla.
Others are former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, Tom Alila, Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, and former Kenyan Premier League CEO Jack Oguda.
Despite having served two terms as stipulated by the Sports Act of 2013, FKF President Nick Mwendwa remains determined to seek fresh mandate, albeit as the Vice President in a joint ticket with Dorris Petra.
Mwendwa first assumed the FKF presidency on February 10, 2016, after a decisive victory at the Kasarani Gymnasium, where he secured 50 out of 77 votes, succeeding Sam Nyamweya, who had served a single term.
Candidates Lining Up to Succeed Nick Mwendwa in FKF Leadership
Hussein Mohammed
Extreme Sports CEO and Murang’a Seal Vice Chairperson Hussein Mohammed on August 28 officially declared his bid to replace Nick Mwendwa.
He underlined his desire to save football in Kenya from what he called “doldrums” and called on all delegates and football stakeholders to stand up and be counted as those who changed the story of Kenyan football by supporting those who have its interests at heart.
“Hope is the last thing ever lost. The hope in Kenyan football is never lost…this is a fresh start. Players are saying it loud and clear…they want a fresh start. Coaches are saying it unequivocally…they want a fresh start. Referees cannot wait any longer…they are demanding a fresh start. Kenyans are saying it repeatedly…they want a fresh start,” Mohammed said in his speech.
“My question to you. Are you ready to save Kenyan football? Ready to earn a living from Kenyan football? Are you ready for a fresh start? I will stand in front of you to tell you that I am ready to lead from the front.”
Also Read: FKF Names New CEO After Barry Otieno Resigns
Cleophas Shimanyula alias ‘Toto’
The Chairman of Kakamega Homeboyz Football Club, Cleophas Shimanyula alias ‘Toto’ on October 4 launched his bid for the presidency of FKF in the upcoming elections.
Shimanyula has picked the Vice Chairman of Bandari Football Club from the coast, Twaha Mbarak as his running mate.
If successful in replacing Nick Mwendwa, Shimanyula pledged to enhance the FKF Premier League (FKF-PL), the National Super League (NSL), and the Women’s Premier League.
“For years, we’ve seen national team selection process issues. Many talented players are overlooked simply because they don’t play for certain clubs. This has to change,” he said.
“Also, National Super League teams are burdened with paying referees before matches, which opens the door to corruption as teams can bribe officials for favourable outcomes.”
He aims to improve training programs for both coaches and referees to elevate the standards of Kenyan football.
Tom Alila
Tom Alila, a passionate advocate for Kenyan football and former Executive Committee Members (NEC) for the Nyanza region officially announced his candidature on Tuesday, October 8.
Alila promised to transform Kenya’s football by creating an inclusive and empowering environment for all stakeholders should he be elected the new FKF president
At the same time, the Sports administrator said he will run his election campaign under the slogan “Hakuna Kulia na Alila” (There is no crying under Alila).
“We are here to chart a new course for football in Kenya, a course defined by our shared values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity,” said the former Executive Committee Member (NEC) for the Nyanza region.
The high-stake national elections will be preceded by county polls on November 9.
Divulging his agenda, Alila highlighted plans to invest in youth programs, collaborate with local clubs, and establish strong connections with schools and community organizations to provide training, resources, and facilities for aspiring players, fostering a new generation of talent in Kenyan football.
Alila also aims to introduce clear guidelines for club governance, financial sustainability, and player contracts, while advocating that the federation should only act as a regulator rather than a micromanager of the leagues.
Also Read: Hussein Mohammed: Meet CEO Who Has Declared Bid to Replace Nick Mwendwa
Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino
Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino is a former footballer who played for Umeme FC Senior team at the age of 14, Luo Union Gor Mahia at the age of 17, and the National team at the age of 18.
Owino while playing for Gor Mahia FC and the National team, won the Eastern Central club championship twice and reached the finals of African Cup Winners cup with Gor Mahia FC and the senior Challenge Eastern Central cup with the National Team.
His football academy AYSES Soccer Club based in the US in Texas was ranked the number one top academy. He is also former owner of Texas Loining Football Club, a professional club in the United States Inter-Regional Soccer League (USISL).
He has also accounted for and managed successful regional tournaments.
“I have the exposure to take this game to the next level. Our football quality has really deteriorated in the recent years due to poor management and I believe I have what it takes to restore its glory,” said Owino.
Jack Oguda
Jack Oguda, the Kenyan Premier League CEO, is a key candidate whose campaigned is premised on the structural issues hindering football development in Kenya.
Oguda points out that the lack of revenue in the leagues is a significant obstacle, as limited financial support has stunted the growth of local clubs.
This financial shortfall, he argued, prevents the leagues from becoming competitive or attracting top talent, ultimately affecting the sport’s performance both domestically and internationally.
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