Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president McDonald Mariga has spoken out for the first time regarding rumours suggesting he has been sidelined within the country’s football leadership.
Mariga, who was elected as deputy to federation president Hussein Mohammed last December, had in recent weeks been at the centre of speculation after a period of reduced public appearances alongside his boss. The situation led to talk of a fallout at the top level of FKF, with some even claiming that his duties had been taken over by a co-opted National Executive Committee member.
The Harambee Stars legend, however, has moved to dispel the claims, stressing that his absence was due to personal reasons following the loss of his mother in June. Since the start of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), he has been a regular figure in camp, closely supporting the players and technical bench.
“Politics is not very important right now. We want to concentrate fully on CHAN. Let us push our boys because we are just two steps away from winning it. Fans should also come out in large numbers to rally behind the team,” Mariga said, underlining his commitment to the national side ahead of Kenya’s quarter-final clash with Madagascar.
Pressed on whether divisions exist within FKF, Mariga maintained that all is well and dismissed suggestions of being edged out of the federation’s core leadership. “I am here. You have seen me in camp. I had missed some sessions because of personal reasons, but now I am present full time to support the players,” he added.
His remarks align with reassurances from the FKF leadership that the federation remains united and focused on football development. According to the FKF Constitution, any attempt to remove an elected official must go through a well-defined process: either by a proposal from the National Executive Committee or at least one-third of FKF members, followed by a vote requiring a two-thirds majority. No such process has been initiated, making the rumours baseless.
With Kenya eyeing a historic run at CHAN 2024, Mariga has urged all stakeholders to set aside speculation and concentrate on supporting the Harambee Stars, noting that unity and focus will be crucial as the team chases glory.
