FKF elections: Number of contestants swell as Nyamweya, Gor’s Ocholla join race

The eagerly anticipated Football Kenya Federation elections may be six months away but it seems the race is shaping up earnestly with up to four candidates declaring interest in the coveted seat.

Incumbent Nick Mwendwa will not be defending his seat after serving the mandatory two, four years terms, and candidates are throwing their hats in the ring with relish.

Hussein Mohammed, associated with the Super 8 Tournament has come out strongly to show interest alongside US-based Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, a former Kenya international,  who also featured for Gor Mahia in his heydays.

The two are joined by Gor Mahia Secretary General Samuel Ochola and ex- FKF chief Sam Nyamweya who has also thrust his hat in the ring.

Nyamweya, in a statement on Thursday, said that he has been forced to enter the fray “after wide consultations with my supporters".

“I have keenly been following the happenings in our local football since I stepped down as the FKF President eight years ago and must admit that the country’s number one game has come from bad to worse.

After wide consultations with some of my supporters, they have urged me to offer myself as a presidential candidate for the forthcoming FKF elections set for February 2024. I want to confirm after making further consultations with stakeholders, I am considering offering myself for the top seat to help salvage the sport in the country and finish my two terms which were interrupted by reckless ambitious people.”

Nyamweya was at the helm of the federation for over 20 years before Nick Mwendwa took over the stage.

In his stint Mwendwa has had brush with the law, including arrest over alleged embezzlement of funds meant for the national team. The court however threw out the matter due to lack of evidence.

Just two weeks ago when he appeared before Parliament, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba gave an assurance that the polls will be held in February 2024, when the tenure of the current office expires, and it seems to have sparked interest in the coveted seat.

Ocholla, apart from being an official at Gor Mahia, is a businessman associated with a local television station,  while ‘Kempes’, apart from playing for Gor Mahia and Stars, has had a decorated stint in the USA where he set up a flourishing football academy, upon the completion of his studies and the hanging up of his boots.

More candidates are expected to express interest in the seat.