As the race for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Presidential elections takes shape, confusion over the eligibility of outgoing President Nick Mwendwa to contest in the forthcoming elections has intensified.
This follows contradictory statements from Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen and FKF Electoral Board Chairman Hesbon Owila, whose positions differed during separate appearances before the National Assembly Sports Committee.
Murkomen and Owila presented opposing views to the Committee during the session chaired by Kabete Member of Parliament (MP) Kamau Wamacukuru on Tuesday, November 6.
CS Murkomen while addressing the Committee on the issue of whether Mwendwa could run as a deputy to Doris Petra declared that the outgoing President is not eligible to contest.
In his explanation, the CS who was the first to appear before the Committee told MPs that the law barred Mwendwa from being fielded as a running mate in the upcoming polls.
“The law is clear that anyone picked as a running mate should have the same qualifications as the presidential candidate, so that in case anything happens to the president, they can take over the office,” Murkomen explained.
He added, “It is not morally appropriate to serve as the Federation’s president and then, during elections, present yourself as a deputy.”
Murkomen further emphasized that Mwendwa had completed his term as required by the Federation’s constitution and stated that it would be illegal for him to appear on Petra’s ticket for the presidency.
“I have had a conversation with Mwendwa on this matter, and we agreed that he should not run,” the CS remarked.
His sentiments were supported by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who questioned why the Electoral Board had cleared Mwendwa to run.
FKF Electoral Board Chairman declares stance
However, FKF Electoral Board Chairman Hesbon Owila who appeared before the same committee declared that Mwendwa is eligible to contest as a running mate in the upcoming elections.
Mwendwa, whose mandatory two-term limit is coming to an end, has been cleared to run as the deputy to Petra, his current vice-president, in the December 7th elections.
Also Read: FKF Introduces New Coaching Courses & Training Program
Owila explained that the law allows Mwendwa to contest as a running mate. “Article 37 of the Federation’s constitution is clear: once a president has completed their term, they are free to run for any other position,” he said.
ADVERT
He also pointed out that the Board had not made any mistake when it cleared Mwendwa to deputize Petra in the elections.
According to the National Assembly, the matter was put to rest after the Committee’s legal officer clarified to MPs that, according to Article 37 of the Federation’s constitution, the law permits Mwendwa to run as a deputy.
Free and fair elections
Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna said the Committee should not dwell too much on the matter after it was clarified by both the legal officer and the chairman on the Electoral Board.
Also Read: Hussein Mohammed Issues Statement on FKF Elections Polling Stations
The FKF Board was asked to ensure that the eagerly awaited elections were free and fair with Owila informing the Committee measures have been put in place to ensure that the elections were credible, free and fair.
“The Board has already finished training returning officers ahead of the county elections that commence on 9th of this month and the presidential polls,” he explained.
In addition, the Committee asked the Board to present to MPs a list of all delegates who will vote in the elections which the chairman assured that he will in two days.
The FKF Electoral Board has so far received credentials from nine candidates who are interested in going for the presidential seat at the polls.
They include Cleophas Shimanyula, Hussein Mohamed, Sam Nyamweya, Doris Petra, Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, Tom Alila and Sam Ochola.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
