Court stops removal of FKF NEC member Abdullahi Yusuf amid leadership tussle

The High Court has temporarily stopped the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Executive Committee (NEC) from suspending or removing committee member Abdullahi Yusuf from office, pending the hearing of his constitutional petition challenging resolutions made against him.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye granted conservatory relief restraining the FKF NEC from “suspending, removing, or in any other way interfering” with Yusuf’s office and position within FKF, the committee, and related bodies.

The judge further directed that if any adverse action had already been taken against Yusuf, the same be stayed immediately and the position existing before the disputed decision be restored pending the inter partes hearing of the application.

The case arises from resolutions passed during an FKF National Executive Committee meeting held on April 24, 2026, where several members reportedly directed Yusuf to step aside from his role as a NEC member and also took actions affecting the federation’s leadership structure.

Yusuf, through his lawyer Danstan Omari, in his petition argues that the meeting and its resolutions were irregular, unlawful, unconstitutional and procedurally unfair, saying he was neither notified of the meeting nor invited to attend and respond to allegations against him.

He told the court that he was never supplied with the agenda, notices convening the meeting, complaints against him, evidence relied upon, minutes, attendance list, voting record, resolutions passed, or written reasons for the decision.

Yusuf argues that he was condemned unheard and denied a meaningful opportunity to defend himself, in violation of his constitutional rights to fair administrative action, fair hearing, dignity, equality, and due process.

He further claims that the resolutions have already been implemented and have interfered with his office, lawful mandates, reputation, and legitimate expectations.

The petition also alleges that the Respondent went further to interfere with FKF bank accounts and altered signing mandates linked to the federation’s under-siege president, creating instability and uncertainty in football governance.

Yusuf argues that the actions undermine constitutional values of transparency, accountability, good governance, and the rule of law in the management of football affairs, which he says is a matter of public interest given FKF receives public funding from taxpayers.

He is seeking declarations that the April 24 resolutions violated Articles 10, 27, 28, 35, 41, 47 and 50 of the Constitution, as well as orders quashing the resolutions and permanently restraining FKF from interfering with his office without due process.

He also wants the court to compel FKF to restore him fully to office and provide all documents relied upon in convening the disputed meeting and passing the resolutions.

Justice Mwamuye directed Yusuf to serve the respondents and the Interested Party, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, by April 29, while FKF and the ministry must file their responses by May 8.

The matter will be mentioned on May 19, 2026, to confirm compliance and give directions on the expedited hearing of the application and the petition.