Hussein Mohammed calls for transparency as FKF Electoral Board is launched

The much-anticipated Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Electoral Board was officially unveiled today, initiating preparations for the FKF elections. The board, chaired by Hesbon Owilla, a lecturer at Aga Khan University's Graduate School of Media and Communications and featuring lawyer Marceline Sande as secretary, also includes former AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Mule and communication expert Alfred Nganga.

In response to the announcement, FKF presidential candidate Hussein Mohammed expressed his commitment to supporting the board in delivering a transparent, free, fair, and credible election aimed at restoring the integrity of Kenyan football. However, he highlighted several serious concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the elections truly reflect the will of football stakeholders across the nation.

One of Mohammed's primary issues is the potential manipulation of the voter register. He noted past and ongoing efforts by certain individuals within the FKF Secretariat to interfere with the register and called for transparency and public access to prevent tampering. “The voter register must be made public, transparent, and safeguarded from tampering to ensure that every eligible voter has a fair say in this election,” he stated.

Mohammed also stressed the need for the FKF Electoral Board to operate independently from Kandanda House to avoid undue influence from current FKF officials, many of whom are candidates in the elections. He urged the board to establish its independence by distancing itself from FKF headquarters during the electoral process.

MY STATEMENT ON THE UNVEILING OF FKF ELECTORAL BOARD

Following the unveiling of the FKF Electoral Board, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them in delivering a transparent, free, fair, and credible electoral process that will restore the integrity of Kenyan… pic.twitter.com/Z7L3Yj8Hw7

— Hussein Mohammed (@husseinmoha) September 23, 2024

Additionally, he called for the involvement of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in overseeing the elections, emphasizing that the IEBC's technical expertise is crucial for ensuring professionalism and impartiality.

The candidate further highlighted the importance of addressing electoral disputes at the grassroots level rather than centralizing them in Nairobi. This approach, he argued, would empower local football stakeholders and ensure their voices are heard. He also urged the board to adhere to the provisions of the Sports Act 2013 and the FKF constitution.

Another concern raised was the accessibility of polling stations for grassroots elections. Mohammed insisted that polling stations should be situated at county headquarters to enhance fairness and reduce logistical challenges and potential intimidation for voters.

While he welcomed the release of the election roadmap, Mohammed reiterated his commitment to holding the FKF Electoral Board accountable for upholding transparency, fairness, and integrity. He emphasized that the future of Kenyan football relies on a credible electoral process, and his team is dedicated to ensuring the elections reflect the true will of football stakeholders.

The unveiling of the FKF Electoral Board marks the official start of preparations for what promises to be a closely watched election, with the future of Kenyan football hanging in the balance.