Published on August 15, 2025 by KON KON
Last Updated on 8 months by KON KON
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is once again facing turbulent times as tensions between President Hussein Mohammed and his Deputy, Macdonald Mariga, continue to escalate. What began as a power-sharing alliance during the 2024 elections has now degenerated into open hostility, with Hussein accused of systematically sidelining his deputy.
Mariga’s Growing Influence
It is no secret that there is no love lost between the two top football administrators in Kenya. Insiders say that during the December 2024 FKF elections, it was Mariga’s influence and networks among delegates that secured the victory—not Hussein’s. Mariga commanded more delegates loyal to him than the presidential candidate he supported, with many crediting his efforts for the win.
In fact, on the morning of the elections, a phone call from the State House to key delegates—reportedly secured by Mariga—proved decisive. The President is said to have instructed his close allies, including the then Sports CS and a vocal Rift Valley senator passionate about football, to throw their weight behind Mariga. Hussein merely rode on that wave.
This was not surprising. Mariga has been a loyal supporter of President Ruto ever since he became the first UDA candidate in the Kibra by-election following the death of MP Ken Okoth. He brought in more campaign money, connected with delegates directly, and convinced the President to back him when the former FKF president chose not to contest for the presidency and instead supported his deputy.
Lessons From the Past
The contrast with the previous administration is striking. Back then, the president and his deputy worked in harmony, with the deputy entrusted with major programs, including women’s football and special projects. That trust was so strong that the president eventually supported his deputy to succeed him at the end of his tenure—a rare show of confidence in teamwork and continuity.
Today, however, the opposite is playing out. Hussein and Mariga remain locked in an open rivalry. Football stakeholders warn that any administration where the president and his deputy do not see eye to eye is bound to fail.
Why Hussein is Sidelining Mariga
Analysts believe Hussein’s biggest fear is that Mariga could challenge him in the 2028 FKF elections —and win. The president has therefore embarked on a mission to weaken his deputy by stripping him of roles and assigning them to his close ally, co-opted NEC member Yusuf Abdalla.
The same strategy was once used by former FKF boss Sam Nyamweya, who sidelined his deputy Sam Sholei after the 2012 elections. Hussein is accused of employing identical tactics—badmouthing Mariga through hired bloggers, reassigning his duties, and even flying in allies from abroad to help plot his deputy’s downfall.
Sources say Hussein’s hostility has nothing to do with Mariga’s performance but is rooted in selfish political interests. Many believe Hussein’s passion is not football but politics, with his eyes already set on a parliamentary seat in Nairobi. Unlike Mariga, whose entire life has been football—from his playing days in Kenya to starring in Europe and for Harambee Stars—Hussein has never played the game. His only involvement has been running business-model tournaments and leveraging football for personal gain.
Achievements Overshadowed by Wrangles
Ironically, Mariga has already proven his worth in office. He was instrumental in bringing current Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, a decision that is paying off as the national team enjoys a strong run in the ongoing CHAN competition. Hussein, on the other hand, had reportedly favored an Arab coach and had already approached several candidates before being overruled by his own NEC.
Hussein’s leadership, meanwhile, has been marked by poor organisation and glaring blunders. For the first time in history, FKF Division 2 playoffs were played without trophies, a sign of incompetence that left clubs and delegates shocked. FKF’s Women’s Desk head, Neddy Atieno, quietly resigned, citing a lack of proper organisation at the top.
Financial Mismanagement and Broken Promises
Another blunder came when the FKF Premier League champions were not awarded any cash incentive, despite the league having a broadcast sponsor. The move left clubs and players disappointed and raised fresh questions about accountability in the new regime.
Soon after taking office, Hussein’s administration hurriedly formed an ad hoc financial audit committee. The president later announced that the previous administration had left behind a debt of Ksh 383 million—an increase from his earlier figure of Ksh 270 million.
But stakeholders now argue the narrative has been deliberately twisted. The fact remains: in just one year in office, Hussein’s team has already accumulated over Ksh 300 million in new debts—more than the previous administration did in eight years. This reckless financial management has now pushed the federation’s debt claims to over Ksh 600 million, a crisis of the current administration’s own making.
Losing Grip on NEC and Delegates
Hussein began his term with NEC wrangles that split the federation down the middle. Even now, insiders say he struggles to command respect from delegates, many of whom remain loyal to Mariga. Unlike Hussein, who still does not know some delegates by face and name despite several meetings, Mariga commands genuine grassroots support among the football governors.
Stakeholders complain that Hussein has lost control of the federation, with many openly comparing his administration to the chaotic Nyamweya era. They argue that the previous administration made significant progress in football governance between 2016 and 2024, and that Hussein’s leadership is a backward step.
The Bigger Picture
Critics further argue that Hussein is often distracted by extracurricular interests outside football, raising questions about his commitment and focus. With no other stable job or business beyond the FKF presidency, doubts continue to linger over how he funds his lifestyle.
By contrast, Mariga is viewed as calm, accountable, and deeply passionate about football. Having lived and breathed the game all his life, many governors and stakeholders believe he is better suited to run Kenyan football and restore confidence in the federation.
As wrangles persist, the once-hopeful new administration now risks plunging Kenyan football into another cycle of instability—raising the question: will Hussein survive until 2028, or will Mariga rise to unseat him?
