Hussein, Mariga Coalition beat Mwendwa's preference to win FKF presidency

FKF president-elect Hussein Mohammed and his vice Macdonald Mariga. Photo/Courtesy.

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By Peter K'opiyo

The climax of Football Kenya Federation elections ended today after Hussein Mohammed and Macdonald Mariga trounced their opponents to win the federation's top seat.

Hussein, trounced his opponents in the first round but failed to attain the 50+1% to be declared FKF president-elect.

In the second round, the duo garnered 67 votes to finally clinch the top seat.

The elections which were held at Kasarani indoors arena, saw Doris Petra, out going FKF president, Nick Mwendwa's choice,  concede defeat and withdrawing from the second round of elections.

In the first round, Hussein Mohammed led with 43 votes, as Dorris Petra came second with 31 votes with Cleophas Shimanyula gathering 4 votes to emerge position 3.  Sammy Owino had 2 votes as Tom Alila got 1 vote.

Others elected to various positions include, Violet Momanyi Kerubo who has won the Women Representative  position in National Executive Council, Robert Macharia-Central region,Charles Njoka -Eastern Region and Collins Kalee who willl represent Nyanza region at the national table.

Nairobi region will have Daniel Shikanda as Western region sends Caleb Amwanyi and Coastal region brings Gabriel Mughendi to the NEC.

Moreover, Mohammad Dabar will represent the North Eastern region as Benard Lang'at and Peter Kamau will represent Upper and Lower Rift regions respectively.

Leaders from the political divide have since sent their congratulatory messages to Hussein and Mariga, expressing optimism that the country's soccer star will shine brighter under their leadership.

Sports CS, Kipchumba Murkomen applauded all the new FKF leadership adding that the government will fully support the new squad.

"Congratulations Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga on your election today as the President and Vice President of FKF respectively. Congratulations to all other elected office bearers. I have not an iota of doubt that you're the best possible team that will inject new dynamism, energy and fresh ideas into the management of our football. I wish to assure you that the government will give you all the support you need to take our football to the next level," declared Murkomen.

Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi was the among first leaders to wish the two a successful leadership period. 

"Congratulations to Hussein Mohamed and Macdonald Mariga on their election as President and Vice President of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Wishing you great success as you embark on this exciting journey to transform and elevate Kenyan football. Here’s to a future of victories, stability, and lasting impact for the beautiful game in our country," stated the PCS through his social media platform.

Murkomen further fired a warning that leaders who were derailing the sports industry in the county had their days numbered. 

"This should send a message to all federations who frustrate efforts to hold elections that their time is up. Good governance in our sports is not negotiable," stated the CS.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also lauded the winners, expressing her confidence in the team that was getting into office.

"Congratulations to Hussein Mohamed and Macdonald Mariga on your election to lead Kenya’s football! Your work is well cut out and we wish you every success. To our very own Collins Kalee, hongera on your election as NEC member for Nyanza - make us proud!" She confidently stated.

On his part, Ahmed Kalebi, patron of Darajani Gogo football club, expressed his joy in Hussein and Mariga's victory terming it a new dawn for sports in the country. 

"The whole nation is confident in the new leadership’s ability and capacity to steer Football in Kenya towards a new viable and sustainable professional era including immediate commercial uplifting of the profession & semi-professional top-tier leagues plus a robust development of football at lower levels with nurturing of talents at the grassroots and youth teams," averred Kalebi.