Okwemba calls for FKF voting reforms to revive Kenyan football

Former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards midfielder Charles Okwemba claims that Kenya’s football development has stagnated due to flaws in the FKF voting system.

According to Okwemba, past FKF elections have failed to bring in capable leaders, as the current system allows candidates to manipulate delegates for votes.

Okwemba believes that reforming the electoral approach is essential if Kenya is to achieve the kind of growth seen in countries like Senegal, South Africa, and Morocco.

“Our stagnation in football is largely due to a flawed voting system, where delegates don’t always elect people with the integrity and vision needed to elevate our football standards,” he said.

“The voting system within FKF is a significant problem. To the delegates, I urge you not to deepen our existing challenges by voting in the wrong leaders.”

The upcoming FKF elections will determine a new president, deputy, and regional NEC members. Okwemba emphasized the responsibility that delegates bear.

“There’s hope if the delegates make choices that serve Kenya’s football interests. We entrust them to vote on behalf of all Kenyans, as the current system doesn’t allow a broader public vote. My primary concern is that delegates can be swayed, resulting in leadership that lacks genuine commitment to the sport,” Okwemba said.

For the December FKF presidential race, the electoral board has cleared all candidates. However, former FKF president Sam Nyamweya has withdrawn, instead pledging his support for Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula.

Other candidates in the running include current FKF Vice President Doris Petra, FKF Youth Committee Chair Chris Amimo, Murang’a Seal Vice Chairman Hussein Mohamed, former Nyanza NEC member Tom Alila, Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla, former FKF Secretary General Barry Otieno, and ex-Kenyan international Sammy "Kempes" Owino.