Barry Otieno announces candidature for FKF presidency

Immediate former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Secretary General Barry Otieno has announced his candidature for the federation’s top job.

In a press statement to newsrooms on Sunday, Otieno, who stepped down from the FKF CEO role he has been holding for the last five years earlier this week, officially declared his interest to succeed his former boss Nick Mwendwa.

With only a day to the submission of nomination papers for the presidential aspirants, Otieno has however not revealed his running mate.

If indeed he will present himself before the FKF Electoral Board on Monday, he will have to do so alongside a running mate – the would be Vice President should he succeed in his mission.

In his brief statement, Otieno, who took over from former FKF CEO Robert Muthomi soon after the 2019 African Cup of Nations, said his mission is to bring football glory “beyond the pitch.”

“My commitment and vision are simple, to build a stronger, more inclusive and more successful footballing nation, by developing football beyond the pitch in for main areas: Club empowerment, improved governance, holistic development and grassroots to glory,” read part of Otieno’s statement.

His candidature has however raised eyebrows among other presidential aspirants, who feel he is conflicted having been part of the FKF secretariat at the beginning of the electoral process.

“The fact that he has been a key figure in the day-to-day business of the federation especially on matters elections before his resignations conflicts him. These are some of the small things that people ignore but can be used in court to invalidate a whole process…” said one of the aspirants who wanted anonymity.

The FKF presidential aspirants are set to submit their papers to the Electoral Board on Monday, from 2:00pm EAT.

Otieno joins a long list of aspirants aiming to succeed Mwendwa, including former FKF National Executive Committee member for Nyanza Tom Alila, Murang’a SEAL Vice Chairman Hussein Mohammed, Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula and Ex-Kenyan international Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino.

Others are former Kenya Premier League (KPL) CEO Jack Oguda, Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla and former FKF president Sam Nyamweya.

Current FKF Vice President Doris Petra is also said to be in the race, although she has not officially announced.

Sources close to Petra, whose self-effacing personality has left many guessing her next move, say she will have Mwendwa – her current boss, as the running mate.