Acting FKF President McDonald Mariga Responds to FIFA Demands Amid Hussein Mohammed Suspension

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has sought to reassure the public amid escalating tensions, confirming that both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have initiated a joint investigation into its ongoing leadership crisis.

In a formal statement released on April 26, 2026, Acting President McDonald Mariga acknowledged receipt of communication from FIFA.

The federation described the probe as a "timely and necessary" step to resolve the governance issues that have recently plagued Kenyan football.

This development follows FIFA's official request for comprehensive documentation regarding a contentious National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on April 24.

That meeting resulted in the provisional suspension of FKF President Hussein Mohammed, NEC member Abdullahi Yusuf Ibrahim, and Acting General Secretary Dennis Gicheru.

Adopting a cooperative stance, the FKF assured both governing bodies that it is actively compiling and verifying all requested materials.

The federation aims to meet the May 1 deadline set by FIFA, noting that the information requests are standard procedure and in line with global governance protocols.

The FKF reiterated that the decision for the three officials to step aside remains in effect. It framed the move as a "precautionary and administrative measure" intended to protect the federation's integrity during the investigation.

Furthermore, the federation emphasised its dedication to due process, guaranteeing that all affected individuals will have the right to a fair hearing as stipulated by FKF statutes and the Kenyan Constitution.

"FIFA’s engagement demonstrates that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves," the statement noted, highlighting the diligence and accountability expected of a national football association.

Despite the leadership uncertainty, the FKF insisted that its daily operations are stable. It characterised the situation not as a breakdown in governance but as a "structured accountability process" vital for its long-term credibility.

The federation also committed to maintaining transparency with FIFA, CAF, and other stakeholders throughout the review.

The joint FIFA-CAF investigation will likely examine the legality of the NEC meeting, the validity of the resolution to suspend the officials, and whether they were given a fair opportunity to be heard before the decision was made.

As the May 1 submission deadline approaches, the Kenyan football community awaits the next steps from the global and continental bodies, which could significantly shape the future of the sport's leadership in the country.