The world football governing body, FIFA, has issued a warning of potentially reinstating a ban on Kenya from football activities due to third-party interference.
The co-hosting rights of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, shared by Kenya with neighbours Tanzania and Uganda, are currently at risk.
Additionally, Kenya faces the possibility of being disqualified from hosting the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
Following a threat from the world football governing body, FIFA, Kenya is facing the risk of a second ban due to third-party interference.
FIFA’s concern stems from a March 16 ruling by the Mombasa High Court, which directed the suspension of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Annual General Meeting.
In a letter penned by chief member association officer Kenny Jeane-Marie and addressed to FKF secretary general Barry Otieno on Tuesday, the Zurich-based organization directed FKF to promptly convene the AGM.
The correspondence highlighted that the Mombasa High Court’s ruling on March 15, which halted the AGM, seemed to constitute undue influence by third parties.
The High Court ruling pertained to a lawsuit filed by sports journalist Milton Nyakundi questioning the legality of the federation to convene the event.
The FIFA letter stated: “As a result, and irrespective of the outcome of the hearing to take action on March 18, 2024, Fifa takes the view that any further attempt by a third party to prevent the FKF AGM from taking place might be considered a violation of to the above-mentioned principle which would oblige our institution to bring the matter to the attention of relevant FIFA bodies for consideration of possible sanctions in line with the statutes.”
“Given the foregoing, the FKF is directed to conduct its AGM soon and to continue working towards conducting the FKF elections later this year.”
FIFA expressed disappointment that the AGM didn’t proceed as scheduled, despite the presence of FKF delegates and staff from the world football regulatory body in Nairobi to attend.
This incident isn’t the first time Kenya has encountered such difficulties.
In February 2022, Fifa suspended Kenya from all its operations following former Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed’s actions, pressuring out-of-office FKF officials, led by President Nick Mwendwa, amid corruption allegations on November 11, 2021.
The suspension was lifted by the world governing body on November 28, 2022, with the reinstatement of the FKF into office by the new Sports CS Ababu Namwamba.
Expected topics to be addressed at the AGM included the FKF elections, tentatively slated for October.
“It is crucial to clarify a specific factual position that I believe has been consistently misrepresented by the Nick Mwendwa administration in a manner that does not accurately reflect the actual situation,” Nyakundi stated.
“The decisions made by FIFA appear to have been influenced by the sentiments of a source intent on pursuing a self-preservation agenda,” he added.