Football Kenya Federation faces another leadership test as tensions deepen between president Hussein Mohammed and deputy McDonald Mariga.
Mohammed has reportedly called a Special General Meeting amid growing disagreements involving Mariga and several senior federation officials.
The meeting will bring together FKF branch chairpersons, with disciplinary action against officials reportedly among the expected discussions.
Mariga has emerged at the centre of the dispute following months of reported disagreements with Mohammed over federation affairs.
Their differences have increasingly spilled into public view, raising questions about unity within Kenya’s football leadership.
The latest standoff followed a National Executive Committee meeting recently called by Mohammed to discuss important federation business.
Mariga and six other senior officials reportedly skipped the meeting, whose main agenda included approving FKF’s annual budget.
Their absence highlighted divisions within an administration elected together and initially expected to provide stability after previous governance troubles.
Mohammed and Mariga came into office together following FKF elections, promising significant changes in the administration of Kenyan football.
Mohammed succeeded Nick Mwendwa, whose presidency had been dominated by disputes involving government, football stakeholders and international authorities.
Mariga brought considerable profile to the administration after an illustrious playing career with Harambee Stars and several European clubs.
He became the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League when Inter Milan completed their historic treble in 2010.
However, the relationship between FKF’s two most prominent elected officials has deteriorated as disagreements over administration have increased.
The leadership dispute has also emerged during uncertainty surrounding the start and composition of Kenya’s top domestic football competition.
Disagreements over participating clubs have contributed to delays and raised concerns about preparations for the new league campaign.
Resolving those issues represents another major challenge for an administration already struggling to maintain unity within its leadership structures.
The timing makes the dispute particularly significant because Kenya faces one of its biggest football assignments in 2027.
Kenya will co-host the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania between June 19 and July 17.
The three countries successfully staged the African Nations Championship together, providing an important operational test before AFCON 2027.
However, AFCON represents a considerably larger undertaking requiring cooperation between governments, football federations and tournament organising structures.
Kenya is already undertaking major infrastructure projects, including stadium development and upgrades required for the continental championship.
FKF will meanwhile oversee important football responsibilities, including national-team preparations and coordination with CAF ahead of the tournament.
A prolonged leadership struggle could therefore create unwanted distractions during an increasingly important period for Kenya’s AFCON preparations.
The Special General Meeting could provide an opportunity for Mohammed’s administration to resolve disagreements before they become increasingly disruptive.
It could equally deepen existing divisions should disciplinary proceedings be pursued against Mariga or other senior federation officials.
For Kenyan football, the bigger issue extends beyond which side ultimately prevails in the developing leadership struggle.
AFCON 2027 requires a stable federation capable of working effectively with government, CAF and other tournament stakeholders.
With preparations entering an important phase, FKF can hardly afford another prolonged governance battle within its leadership.