FKF president dismisses claims of secret leadership shake-up amid CHAN 2024 preparations
By Faith Lagat, July 22, 2025Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has addressed circulating claims regarding a purported leadership shake-up within the federation.
In a post on X, Mohammed urged the public to disregard reports suggesting that NEC member Abdalla Yusuf had replaced football legend Macdonald Mariga as FKF Vice President.
The claims, first shared by veteran sports journalist Collins Okinyo, claimed that Mariga had been “secretly removed” in a calculated move targeting national team coach Benni McCarthy for eventual sabotage. Okinyo warned that the development could signal a “rough ride” for Kenyan football ahead of the upcoming continental assignments.
Mohammed reiterates commitment
In response, Mohammed dismissed the allegations as baseless, clarifying that FKF strictly operates under its constitutional framework. He emphasised that no such leadership change has occurred and cautioned against the spread of misinformation during this critical period for Kenyan football.
“Our focus remains on delivering a successful CHAN 2024 and raising the standards of Kenyan football,” Mohammed said, reaffirming the federation’s priority. The statement aligns with the federation’s preparations for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which Kenya is co-hosting alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Okinyo’s initial post included an image with the label “FAKE NEWS” superimposed on a photo of two individuals, possibly alluding to a private meeting or discussion. The claim suggested that Yusuf’s appointment and Mariga’s removal were part of a broader plot to unsettle the national team’s technical bench, particularly targeting McCarthy’s role.
CHAN 2024 preparations
Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, is currently in camp preparing for CHAN 2024, where they will face DR Congo, Morocco, Zambia, and Angola in Group A. The high-profile tournament is scheduled to kick off in the coming weeks.
In preparations ahead of CHAN 2024, Kenya has upgraded the iconic Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, positioning it as the centrepiece of the continental football spectacle set for August.
With a seating capacity of over 40,000, state-of-the-art facilities, and a legacy of hosting major sporting events, the stadium is primed to deliver a world-class experience.
Kasarani will not only stage Kenya’s Group A matches but will also host the tournament’s grand finale on August 30, 2025. The event goes beyond football—it’s an opportunity for Kenya to showcase its passion for the beautiful game while fostering regional unity with co-hosts Uganda and Tanzania.
FKF’s clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of social media narratives, with the federation urging stakeholders and fans to rely on official channels for updates. No formal communication has been issued regarding leadership changes.