FKF NEC Members Oust Hussein Mohammed Amid CHAN Scandal

The NEC’s decision, made on Friday, has also led to the suspension of NEC member Abdullahi Yussuf Ibrahim and acting CEO Dennis Gicheru, allowing investigations into the claims to proceed.

Hussein had been expected to provide a detailed response regarding “the CHAN insurance matter” and other accusations against his administration prior to the NEC’s decision.

Reports suggest that the controversy revolves around a significant insurance deal for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania on February 25th.

It has been alleged that FKF granted a contract worth KSh 42,406,815 to a newly established company, despite more competitive proposals from reputable insurance providers.

Misappropriation of public funds

“Accusations of misappropriation of public funds, including alleged theft of approximately KSh 42,000,000 from the CHAN bank account, serious breaches of the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act 2015, and the Public Finance Management Act, such as non-competitive procurement and conflicts of interest.”

The statement declared: “Effective immediately, Hussein Mohammed will step down from his role as President of the Football Kenya Federation. Abdullahi Ibrahim will step aside from his role as a nominated member of the FKF NEC, and Dennis Gicheru will step aside from his position as acting secretary general to facilitate the investigations.”

Mariga appointed acting FKF President

In addition to asking for Hussein’s suspension, the NEC has appointed former Harambee Stars midfielder Macdonald Mariga as the acting President with immediate effect.

“The Deputy President of FKF, Macdonald Mariga, is to assume the responsibilities of FKF President in an acting capacity pending the completion of investigations and a forensic audit into the affairs of the Football Kenya Federation,” the statement added.

Mariga has been tasked with calling an urgent NEC meeting. The NEC members have also requested that all FKF bank accounts under Hussein Mohammed’s name be frozen immediately.

The resolution referenced Article 40 of the FKF Constitution, which stipulates that a written resolution supported by a majority of NEC members is legally binding and holds equal authority to decisions made at a formal meeting.

The NEC meeting that led to the resolution was ultimately attended by nine members, while three others—Charles Njagi, Ahmedqadar Mohammed Dabar, and Kenneth Rungu—did not participate.

Hussein, who was in Uganda attending a Confederation of African Football (CAF) meeting to discuss the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), previously pointed fingers at malign forces and expressed his determination to fight against it.

“Through this vindictive campaign, a lifetime of sacrifice and commitment to enhancing our social fabric through sport could be lost in an instant,” he alerted on his social media platforms.

“My reputation is at stake. I refuse to accept this. I will soon provide a detailed response to these appalling, fabricated claims and the planned smear tactics. We are aware of their agenda.”

Hussein Mohammed took leadership of FKF on December 8th, 2024, after securing victory in the elections, amassing 42 votes in the first round—11 more than his nearest rival, former FKF vice president Doris Petra.