AFCON 2027: Former CHAN Head of Media Operations Elias Makori quits in protest

Preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) took a new twist on Saturday after veteran journalist and former African Nations Championship (CHAN) Head of Media Operations, Elias Makori, announced that he was stepping away from any future involvement with the tournament.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the AFCON Local Organising Committee (LOC) Antony Inzahuli Lung’aho, and seen by Citizen Digital, Makori said he was withdrawing from any role in the preparations and delivery of the Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations 2027 tournament.

“I write to formally communicate my decision to step away from any future involvement with the Local Organising Committee and, consequently, to decline consideration for any role in the preparations and delivery of the Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations 2027 tournament,” he wrote.

Makori said his decision followed “careful reflection” on his experience serving as Head of Media Operations during the African Nations Championship 2025.

At the centre of his grievances were what he described as “numerous operational and logistical challenges” that affected the work of the Media Operations team. Despite the setbacks, he noted that the team worked diligently to help deliver a successful CHAN tournament, which Kenya co-hosted alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

“It is deeply disappointing that, to date, members of the Media Operations team and I have not been compensated for services rendered during the championship. This matter remains unresolved despite several written appeals and follow-up correspondence addressed to both the Principal Secretary and your office.

“The prolonged failure to honour these obligations has raised serious concerns regarding accountability, professionalism and respect for the contributions of those who dedicate their time, expertise and effort to the success of national sporting events. Equally concerning has been the work culture I experienced, which, in my view, does not adequately value, respect or support the role of media professionals,” he stated.

With the countdown to AFCON 2027 already underway, Makori also raised concerns over the pace of preparations, noting that key operational timelines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had not been met.

“Key decisions touching on critical aspects of media operations continue to be made without adequate consultation with me, notwithstanding my previous role and experience as Head of Media Operations.

“While I have not been formally engaged in any capacity for the Pamoja AFCON 2027 project, the manner in which media-related matters have been handled has reinforced my concerns regarding planning, coordination, consultation and professional respect within the organisation,” he said.

Makori further argued that professional relationships should be anchored on mutual respect, integrity, transparency, accountability and the fulfilment of commitments.

“Unfortunately, my experience with the Local Organising Committee has left me with the view that these principles have not been upheld to an acceptable standard. As a result, I do not wish to be associated with or serve within an organisation whose work ethic and treatment of its personnel fall short of these expectations,” he added.

Citizen Digital has also learnt that as Makori tendered his resignation, a CAF broadcasting team was expected in Nairobi on Sunday for an inspection visit as Kenya intensifies preparations for the continental showpiece.

Construction of the Raila Odinga International Stadium is nearing completion, while refurbishment works are ongoing at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Nyayo National Stadium, meanwhile, is expected to serve as one of the official training venues during the tournament.

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are jointly preparing to host the tournament — the first AFCON to be staged in the East African region. The competition is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.