SDT Issues New Orders in McDonald Mariga vs Hussein Mohammed FKF Dispute with Strict Deadlines

The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has issued a firm set of directions in the ongoing legal battle involving Hussein Mohammed, McDonald Mariga, and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) ecosystem.

The case represents a high-stakes standoff that could define the eligibility and governance rules for upcoming football elections.

While the primary parties listed include Ahmed Abdi Ahmed, McDonald Mariga, and Hussein Mohammed the proceedings have become the central arena for the broader struggle between the Hussein Mohammed-led camp and the current football establishment.

In its latest ruling on May 6, 2026, the Tribunal, led by Hon. Luke Wamugunda, Hon. Allan Mola Owinyi, and Hon. Victor Omwebu, emphasised that the matter is far from settled.

Despite various attempts to shift the battleground to other venues, the SDT reaffirmed its grip on the case to ensure that the transition in football leadership is not compromised.

"The Tribunal is satisfied that the reasons for preservation have not fallen away. The subject matter remains live, and the Tribunal must ensure that the proceedings are not rendered nugatory before the parties are fully heard," the statement said.

To protect the integrity of the process, the Tribunal ordered that "the interim orders previously issued are hereby extended to preserve the subject matter until the next Mention date."

This extension effectively keeps the status quo in place, preventing any unilateral moves by the FKF or its candidates that could undermine the legal challenge.

A major point of contention has been the existence of an ongoing FIFA inquiry. Many observers wondered if the international body's involvement would force the SDT to step aside.

However, the Tribunal made it clear that while they respect the international process, it does not strip them of their domestic mandate.

"It is common ground... that the subject matter of this dispute is presently under inquiry by FIFA, and that such inquiry constitutes an Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) relevant to the issues before the Tribunal," the ruling stated.

Despite this acknowledgement, the SDT was firm regarding a separate petition filed in the High Court of Kiambu.

The Tribunal clarified that its jurisdiction remains absolute for the time being: "The High Court order does not bar the continuance of these proceedings, and nothing on record suggests that this Tribunal is divested of jurisdiction or stayed from proceeding."

The Tribunal expressed frustration with procedural delays, specifically regarding the exchange of documents. Counsel for the respondents, including those representing McDonald Mariga, have been put on a strict clock to ensure the Applicant is not left in the dark.

The directions mandate:

1) Counsel for Respondents (Mr Ochieng): Must serve the Applicant with responses within three days.

2) The 9th Respondent (Mr Odipo): Must file and serve its response within four days.

3) The Applicant: Given until noon on May 12, 2026, to file a reply to all responses.

The Tribunal was explicit in its requirement for full transparency: "All parties shall ensure that all intended documents, including any material relating to the FIFA inquiry, are filed and served within the timelines above."

At the heart of this legal skirmish is the eligibility of candidates and the validity of the FKF's internal mechanisms. Hussein Mohammed’s team has consistently challenged the hurdles placed in the way of "outsider" candidates, while Mariga and the incumbent-aligned factions have sought to maintain the existing framework.

The football world now looks toward May 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., when the matter returns for a mention.