FKF must end power games and put football first

Kenyan football deserves better than the petty power struggles currently consuming the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

The latest confrontation in Meru involving factions allied to President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy, McDonald Mariga, is a glaring indictment of leadership that appears to have lost sight of its priorities.

With the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) fast approaching, the federation should be mobilising resources, strengthening preparations and rallying the country behind Harambee Stars. Instead, its officials are busy fighting over positions and influence. The timing could not be worse.

Let it be said without ambiguity: football is bigger than any individual or office. It is about players who sacrifice, compete and carry the nation’s hopes. Without players, there is no football, no federation and certainly no justification for the leadership positions these officials occupy.

WE dare say that whatever happened in Meru over the weekend benefited the officials more than the players. What tangible gains did the players make from the confrontation? Absolutely none.

Mohammed, Mariga and their respective camps must stop treating the federation as a battleground for personal influence. They owe Kenyan football leadership, maturity and accountability.

The solution is dialogue, not confrontation. Put the house in order, get behind Harambee Stars and let football take centre stage. The players must come first.