Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Sam Nyamweya has called on stakeholders with cases in court to withdraw the same and allow a smooth process for elections slated for later this year.
FKF faced a setback as its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Saturday March 16 was canceled due to a court order obtained by sports journalist Milton Nyakundi.
The Mombasa High Court issued the order, suspending the AGM until a hearing of the petition, set for the following Monday 19 is conducted. This development threw the October elections into uncertainty.
The AGM was to pave way for the elections, adopt the electoral code, elections board, pass the books of accounts and set the election date.
“I call upon all football stakeholders and Kenyans of goodwill to join me in calling upon the petitioners in the cases in Mombasa and Kiambu to unconditionally withdraw them and allow the process to continue,” said Nyamweya in a signed statement.
“This will clear the path for the resumption of the AGM and election process. By withdrawing these legal challenges, the path for a transparent and fair electoral process within the federation will kick off. Those who feel aggrieved can be able to challenge these matters internally through established channels rather than prolonged legal battles.”
Nyamweya added: “Unending legal challenges in the courts will also attract world football governing body FIFA wrath that may take us back to an indefinite ban. We cannot afford a suspension from international football because of these wrangles which can be amicably solved.In September this year Kenya will co-host the 2024 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with Tanzania and Uganda.
“The tournament, reserved for players who are playing in their domestic leagues, will be spread out within the larger east African region. This is the dress rehearsal to the hosting of the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. We cannot afford to lose these twin opportunities which will not only showcase our country’s football prowess in the region but also see economic paybacks during the tournament.”
Nyamweya, who is seeking to vie for the presidency for a second term, said addressing the issues internally will allow the AGM to continue and pave the way for elections.
“The country has started in earnest in preparedness for the tourney. Kasarani is already closed for major renovations while the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Talanta Sports Complex was done by President Dr. William Ruto.”
Nyamweya concluded: “We are ready for the elections and if there are any encumbrances let us address them internally with laid down procedures and through the Sports Dispute Tribunal. Let us allow the AGM and elections to proceed will ensure continuity in FKF’s operations and leadership structure. An election is critical for democratic decision-making, accountability, and setting strategic directions for Kenyan football.
“Let us allow delegates to participate in the AGM and elections and uphold transparency, inclusivity, and legitimacy in the federation’s governance.The more we are in court we will be denying legitimacy and credibility to office bearers whose term is coming to an end. We must allow the AGM and election process to go on so as to give the new office mandate, legitimacy and credibility both domestically and internationally, fostering trust among stakeholders.”