FKF President Hussein Mohammed Insists AFCON 2027 Preparations Are on Track Despite Leadership Row

Embattled Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed faced a parliamentary committee on Tuesday to answer questions regarding an alleged multi-million-shilling scandal and preparations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Appearing before the National Assembly's Departmental Committee for Sports, Culture and Tourism, Hussein Mohammed defended his position despite his recent suspension by the federation's own National Executive Council (NEC) over allegations of financial misconduct.

The controversy stems from an alleged Sh42 million insurance deal for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) team, citing bank documents and a letter from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), which revealed that brokerage fees amounting to $328,735 were allegedly wired to an unlicensed company in a transaction linked to Mohammed.

In response to the allegations, nine of the 14 FKF NEC members voted last month to suspend Hussein Mohammed, along with NEC member Abdullahi Yussuf Ibrahim and Acting General Secretary Dennis Gicheru, to allow for investigations.

However, the Sports Disputes Tribunal later issued a temporary order overturning the suspension, following a legal challenge filed by the affected officials. This has created a power struggle within the federation, with Hussein Mohammed insisting he is still in charge.

"I have not stepped aside. I remain the duly elected FKF President and represented the country in the recent FIFA Congress in Vancouver," Mohammed told the committee, chaired by Hon. Dan Wanyama.

He dismissed the allegations as a 'smear campaign' designed to tarnish his name and destabilise the federation, arguing that the NEC's resolution to suspend him was invalid.

"The purported resolution of 24th April 2026 lacks constitutional validity and is, in my view, null and void," he stated.

The leadership dispute has attracted the attention of the world governing body, FIFA, which has requested detailed documentation from FKF.

In a letter sent to the federation, FIFA, in coordination with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stated it is assessing the situation to determine if the NEC's actions complied with FKF statutes regarding meeting procedures, quorum, and the right of the accused to be heard.

The turmoil comes at a critical time, as Kenya is set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania.

The ongoing infighting has raised concerns that it could jeopardise the country's hosting rights for the prestigious tournament.

Despite the crisis, Hussein Mohammed assured the committee that AFCON 2027 preparations are in "excellent shape" and proceeding on schedule.

He explained that the three host nations have adopted a unified management approach to avoid the pitfalls experienced during the CHAN 2024 preparations.

“The overall preparedness and coordination mechanisms in place for hosting AFCON 2027, I am pleased to report that Kenya's preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are in excellent shape. Proceeding on schedule and fully aligned with CAF's requirements and expectations,” he said.

“On the advice of CAF, and following a strategic review of the lessons learned from Chan 2024, the three host nations have adopted a unified, cohesive management approach in place of independent national planning frameworks, including within the structures of the three LOCs, a joint ministerial oversight committee.

“I'm happy to inform you that in the oversight committee for Pamoja for East Africa, I'll be sitting there together with our cabinet secretary and the senior-most half officials in that body. So again, a privilege for us to be able to sit at the high table when it comes to matters of policy in this regard.”

Meanwhile, the faction led by McDonald Mariga confirmed it has submitted all the documents requested by FIFA. Mariga also appeared before the parliamentary committee on the same day, stating his group had provided a detailed submission with supporting evidence to ensure a transparent review of the matter.