McDonald Mariga, the former international football star turned Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President, is at the center of a growing political storm.
Recent rumours suggest an underground plot to remove him from office, raising questions about the unity and transparency within the FKF.
Although President Hussein Mohammed swiftly dismissed the claims, insiders allege that deep divisions and strategic scheming exist at the top of the federation.
As the CHAN 2024 tournament looms, the drama threatens to derail FKF’s credibility and focus.
Inside the Plot to Remove Mariga
The alleged plan to oust McDonald Mariga as vice president has been the subject of heated whispers across Kenya’s football circles. A controversial social media post ignited the controversy by claiming that Abdalla Yusuf, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), had secretly replaced Mariga.
President Hussein Mohammed moved quickly to control the damage. In a public statement released on Tuesday, July 22, he denounced the post as fake and reaffirmed FKF’s commitment to its constitution.
“Kindly disregard misinformation circulating on social media. FKF is an institution guided by its constitution, which we strictly adhere to,” Mohammed said.
But the timing of the rumours, just weeks before the high-stakes African Nations Championship (CHAN), could not be more damaging. It has brought to light growing discontent within FKF ranks, with allegations of secret meetings, internal sabotage, and leadership friction dominating the conversation.
Though FKF maintains that it is united, football insiders paint a different picture — one of a federation haunted by mistrust and power wrangles. Reports claim Mariga and Mohammed are not on speaking terms, with key NEC members allegedly aligning themselves into camps.
This internal rift, while denied publicly, mirrors past episodes in Kenyan sports administration, where politics has often derailed progress. The apparent attempt to edge out Mariga without due process would mark a new low in FKF’s long history of governance issues.
The FKF Constitution and the Process to Remove a Vice President
While President Mohammed has denied any formal action to remove Mariga, the FKF Constitution provides a detailed mechanism for such a move — and that’s what makes these allegations so alarming.
First, a formal written complaint must be lodged with the NEC, supported by a substantial number of its members. The grounds for removal can include gross misconduct, incapacity, or breach of the FKF Constitution.
Once filed, the matter is reviewed by FKF’s Ethics or Disciplinary Committee. The committee conducts a preliminary investigation, gathering evidence to determine if there’s a prima facie case. The Vice President must be informed and allowed to respond in writing.
Should the committee find substance in the allegations, a formal disciplinary hearing follows. Mariga would have the right to present his defense, call witnesses, and be represented by legal counsel. At this stage, the stakes rise, as the outcome could range from a simple reprimand to outright removal.
If removal is recommended, the next step is a vote. While the NEC can play a role, such a serious decision often requires a supermajority vote by the FKF General Assembly—a body comprising county and league delegates. This final authority would then determine whether Mariga stays or goes.
Even then, the vice president has a right to appeal. The decision can be challenged before the FKF Appeals Committee, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT), and eventually the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
This multilayered process makes it clear—removing a vice president is not easy, and it certainly cannot be done secretly. Which is why the alleged plot, if true, would not only violate FKF’s rules but could trigger legal and international scrutiny.
What the Plot to Remove Mariga Reveals About FKF
The allegations point to deeper fractures: factions within the NEC, waning trust between top leaders, and a possible power grab. Sources claim some NEC members see Mariga as an outsider — a footballer with celebrity appeal but lacking deep-rooted political alliances within the federation.
Others suggest he has fallen out with President Mohammed over key decisions, including team selections and CHAN preparations. If true, this could explain the motives behind a quiet campaign to replace him with someone more pliant.
At a time when FKF should be rallying together to host CHAN 2024 and rebuild trust with players and fans, such wrangles only serve to undermine progress.
Kenyan football has long been stained by leadership disputes and backdoor deals. If FKF is to escape that history, it must commit to transparency and fairness — starting with clear communication about Mariga’s future.
Mohammed’s denial may cool the story for now. But unless FKF addresses the root causes of these rumours, the power games will continue, and the sport will pay the price.
