The long-awaited Football Kenya Federation (FKF) branch elections will finally take place today, November 14, 2024. This comes after the Kitui High Court lifted an injunction that had temporarily halted the electoral process.
The elections, initially scheduled for November 9, faced a setback when the Kenya Football Association went to court. The group claimed they were the legitimate body to oversee the polls, leading to a temporary suspension.
Football Kenya Federation Electoral Board chairman Hesbon Owilla. Courtesy photo
However, Justice Robert Limo of the Kitui High Court dismissed the petition on Tuesday. The judge based his decision on the existence of a similar case filed at the Milimani Law Courts in October.
The court found that the petitioner, Gordon Ogado, had failed to disclose his previous court filing. Additionally, he did not follow the proper procedures to withdraw the earlier case.
Following the court’s decision, the FKF Electoral Board quickly announced the new election date. Board chairman Hesbon Owilla and secretary Marcelinne Sande issued a joint statement confirming today’s polls.
The electoral officials have been instructed to report to their assigned stations by November 13. This arrangement ensures proper preparation for the voting process across the country.
FKF Electoral Board poses for a group photo after their official unveiling at a Nairobi hotel on Monday 23rd September 2024.Courtesy photo
The elections will take place in 39 counties across Kenya. Some regions, however, will not participate in the voting process for specific positions.
In Baringo, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, and Makueni counties, candidates will run unopposed. Similarly, several positions in Homa Bay, Mandera, Nakuru, Samburu, Tana River, and Trans-Nzoia will not require elections.
The branch elections mark a crucial step towards the national FKF elections scheduled for December 7. Those elected as county chairpersons will serve as delegates in the upcoming national polls.
The national elections will determine new leadership positions, including the FKF President, Vice President, and National Executive Committee Members.
The presidential election has drawn particular attention as current FKF President Nick Mwendwa concludes his two terms. Interestingly, Mwendwa seeks to remain in leadership by running as deputy to his current vice president, Doris Petra.
This move has sparked controversy within football circles. Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly urged Mwendwa to abandon his ambitions for the deputy position.
The Electoral Board has emphasized its commitment to conducting free and fair elections. They have put measures in place to ensure smooth running of the voting process across all participating counties.
The successful completion of these branch elections will significantly impact Kenya’s football administration. It will determine the delegates who will choose the next national football leadership.
FIFA, the world football governing body, closely monitors these developments. The organization typically discourages taking football matters to ordinary courts of law.
The Electoral Board has called on all candidates and voters to maintain peace during the election process. They have also urged strict adherence to the electoral guidelines and regulations.
Security arrangements have been made across all voting stations to ensure peaceful elections. The board expects results to start coming in by evening today.
This election marks a significant milestone in Kenyan football administration. It provides an opportunity for new leadership to emerge at both county and national levels.
The outcome of today’s elections will shape the future of Kenyan football. It will influence policies, development programs, and the overall management of the sport in the country.
Stakeholders hope these elections will usher in a new era of progressive football management. They look forward to leadership that will advance both local and national football interests.
The Electoral Board has promised to announce results promptly after vote counting. They have established a transparent system for result transmission and verification.
