Ousted Mariga and Shikanda Reject Expulsion From FKF as Illegal

Kenyan football’s long-running leadership row has taken a dramatic turn. Ousted Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga and Nairobi NEC member Dan Shikanda say their expulsion at Saturday’s Special General Meeting in Meru was not legitimate.

The General Assembly resolved to expel Mariga and six other National Executive Committee members after the meeting held on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Of the 66 Congress members present, 65 voted to dismiss the seven officials. FKF said the decision followed deliberations on allegations of serious and repeated misconduct in the management of the federation.

Shikanda has rejected the process. He called the ouster illegal and claimed that genuine delegates were locked out. He also said they wanted Mariga to appear before the assembly to defend himself but were denied the chance.

The day was tense. Police were deployed at the Three Steers Hotel to restore order as hundreds gathered outside.

FKF said officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit fired teargas into the room where delegates were seated and described this as a disruption of a lawfully convened meeting. Representatives of FIFA and CAF attended.

The expulsion followed months of friction. The rift between FKF President Hussein Mohammed and Mariga’s faction had widened ahead of the meeting. Mariga was accused of failing to provide leadership on the NEC impasse and of trying to oust his boss in April. Mohammed welcomed the outcome.

The dispute now raises questions about legitimacy and procedure. Delegates also voted for further disciplinary action against the expelled officials.

If the affected officials challenge the decision, the matter could involve football’s governing bodies or the courts.

For Kenyan football, the timing is awkward, with the country preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. A federation locked in an internal fight will struggle to project stability.

Link; https://x.com/StandardKenya/status/2119158029971079187?a=K2EOzvc5T4mmOyBz3-Q&s=19