DEADLY CHAOS ROCKS MERU, Police Turn FKF Meeting Into a Battlefield as Leadership Wrangles Deepen

Violence erupted during the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Special General Meeting in Meru after police officers lobbed teargas inside the room where the high-stakes meeting was taking place, sparking chaos among delegates and other attendees.

The dramatic incident unfolded amid growing tensions surrounding the FKF leadership wrangles involving former Harambee Stars captain McDonald Mariga and Hussein, whose rivalry has become a major talking point in Kenya’s football administration.

According to reports from the meeting, police officers fired teargas canisters inside the venue, forcing participants to react as thick clouds of smoke filled the room.

The confrontation disrupted proceedings and raised fresh concerns about security and the state of football leadership in the country.

The meeting, which was scheduled to begin at 9:00 am, had attracted representatives from the international football governing bodies, including FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who were attending as observers.

The gathering was expected to deliberate on the conduct of seven FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) members, including Mariga, amid the prolonged fallout between him and FKF President Hussein Mohammed.

The leadership dispute dates back to April 2026, when a faction led by Mariga passed resolutions seeking to suspend Hussein and other federation officials over a controversial KSh42.48 million insurance transaction linked to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The resolutions were subsequently challenged through legal and football governance channels.

FKF later expressed concern over the police operation, saying the intervention had disrupted a constitutional process convened by members of its General Assembly.

The incident has once again exposed the deep divisions within Kenya’s football administration, raising questions about leadership, accountability and the country’s preparedness to manage major international football competitions.

The controversy is particularly concerning as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The big question now is whether Kenyan football can overcome its leadership battles and restore confidence among players, supporters and international football stakeholders.

Developments later on Saturday saw the FKF General Assembly resolve to expel Mariga and six other NEC members, according to the federation’s announcement.

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