Extreme boss Hussein sues FKF CEO Barry Otieno for defamation

In March, FKF through Otieno, said Hussein was ineligible to represent the club as per the registration documents presented by the FKF-PL side during the club licensing process.

Through Gedi and Associates Advocates, the Murang’a Seal vice chairman says the words in the letter were malicious, unwarranted and defamatory in nature as they injured his character, personal credit and reputation he has made in grassroot football development, youth empowerment and the fight against drug and substance abuse.

“The effect of the letter was that Hussein Mohammed was subjected to public odium, ridicule, mockery and contempt. His reputation was greatly damaged owing to the immense contribution he has made in grassroot football development, youth empowerment and the fight against drug and substance abuse,” read part of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit added: “The letter was meant to discredit any of his ambitions to run for office at the FKF portraying him as dishonest, incompetent, unethical, untrustworthy, lacks dignity and is selfish.”

“Aggrieved by the net effect of the said letter, Hussein Mohammed has filed a defamation suit against Barry Otieno the General Secretary FKF for General damages, aggravated and/or exemplary damages for putting his name into public odium and disrepute and even despite a demand to tender a public apology, none has been tendered to date.”

There had been a standoff leading to the AGM when Otieno barred Mohammed from the meeting, saying he did not qualify to represent Murang'a Seal while the Extreme Sports CEO and the club insisted he would attend.

“It is important to note that based on the documents submitted during the club licensing registration process, Murang’a Seal is formally registered as Murang’a Sports Excellence Academy Limited. Robert Kenneth Wanyoike Macharia is identified as the sole director of the entity, which is duly recognised as Murang’a Seal for FKF activities,” Otieno said in the letter.

“Hussein Mohammed is, therefore, ineligible to represent Murang’a Seal in the upcoming FKF Annual General Meeting.”

The AGM, which was set for March 16 with the main agenda being to confirm the date for the FKF elections, was however halted by a High Court in Mombasa, thus throwing the polls into uncertainty.