The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections are around the corner, and those aspiring to succeed Nick Mwendwa have already revealed their running mates.
On Monday, October 14, 2024, presidential aspirants presented their papers to the elections board for nomination before the verification process that is set to begin on Tuesday.
One of the realignments that surprised the soccer base in the country is Mwendwa’s decision to deputise Doris Petra in the coming elections.
So, who are the presidential candidates and their running mates?
Petra and Mwendwa
Since Mwendwa’s election in 2016, Petra was the deputy, and this time around she has declared her interest in the top seat.
Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga
Mohammed is the current Chief Executive of Extreme Sports, while his running mate, Mariga, is a former Harambee Stars midfielder. The retired star is also one of Kenya’s most celebrated footballers, having played in Europe and, in 2010, under Jose Mourinho, winning the UEFA Champions League title.
Mariga has joined the FKF election campaign after initially trying his hands in the political scene, where he unsuccessfully tried to vie for the Kibra Member of Parliament seat.
Barry Otieno and Lucy Kaiga
Otieno is the immediate FKF CEO, and he served under Mwendwa for five years. Kagia, on the other hand, is the outgoing chairperson for the FKF Nyandarua branch.
Chris Amimo and Antony Makau
Amimo’s footprints in the soccer map stem from his association with Ligi Ndogo FC and previously serving as the FKF National Executive Member. Makau, on the other hand, is the interim Eastern region NEC member and at one time served as the vice chair of the referees’ committee.
Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino and Evans Kadenge
Kempes has been in the limelight for some time now since he declared his presidential aspiration. He is a former Harambee Star and returned to the country from his base in the US as he aims to clinch the FKF top seat.
Kepmpes’ running mate is the current chair of National Super League (NSL) side Nzoia Sugar.
Tom Alila and Beryl Adhiambo
Alila is a former FKF NEC member, while Beryl Adhiambo is a former referee and coach.
Sam Nyamweya and Patricia Mutheu
Nyamweya is Mwendwa’s predecessor, while his running mate previously served as CEO for the Premier League side Mathare United.
Cleophas Shimanyula and Twaha Mbarak
Toto, as Shimanyula is famously known, is the Kakamega Homeboyz chair, while Mbarak is Bandari FC’s vice chair.
Sam Ocholla and Willis Waliaula
Ochola is Gor Mahia’s Secretary-General, while Waliaula previously served as Harambee Stars team manager. He also served in the same capacities for Premier League sides Sofapaka and Tusker.