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The Federation of Kenya Football (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed and Vice President Macdonald Mariga on Monday, December 9, 2024, officially assumed office following the duo’s decisive win, beating incumbents Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa.

The two were ushered to their new offices as Hussein vowed to hit the ground running from day one at the helm of the country’s football governing body.

In a statement, Hussein registered his appreciation for the FKF electoral board for conducting an agreeable election whose contenders were satisfied with its outcome.

“A big thank you to the FIFA and the Confederation of African Football delegations for overseeing this crucial election. Our gratitude also goes to the FKF Electoral Board for managing a high-stakes process with professionalism and fairness. Despite the emotions and expectations, you delivered brilliantly,” Hussein noted.

Adding: “Asanteni sana. It’s now time to roll up our sleeves and begin the work needed to bring about the transformation that Kenyan football has been longing for.”

Mohammed secured a win in the first round of voting with 42 votes; his closest challenger, Doris Petra, got 31, Barry Otieno garnered 10, while Cleophas Shimanyua and Twaha Mbarak each won four votes.

In the second round, Mohammed garnered 67 votes, which propelled him to the presidency, while Petra and Otieno, who had conceded defeats after the round one results, each got one vote.

CHAN hosting rights

Following their win, the two were congratulated from various quarters including Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula.

“I have not an iota of doubt that you’re the best possible team that will inject new dynamism, energy, and fresh ideas into the management of our football. I wish to assure you that the government will give you all the support you need to take our football to the next level.

“This should send a message to all federations that frustrate efforts to hold elections that their time is up. Good governance in our sports is not negotiable. To Hussein and the new team, I wish you Godspeed!” Murkomen posted on X

The two come into office at a challenging time when Kenya’s rights to host CHAN 2024 were revoked after failing to ready Stadia in time for the competitions.

Kenya had been granted the right to host the tournament next year in February alongside Tanzania and Uganda, but with the lack of ready facilities, Rwanda has been given the go-ahead to co-host the competition.