FKF top seat aspirant Hussein Mohammed unveils former Harambee Stars captain McDonald Mariga wearing glasses, as his running mate on Friday in Nairobi. Photo: Courtesy
Former Harambee Stars captain McDonald Mariga has been unveiled as the running mate to Hussein Mohammed who is seeking Football Kenya Federation ( FKF) top seat.
Speaking on Friday in Nairobi during the unveiling ceremony, Hussein said that football needed those who know the game in and out to run it without bias.
“I am glad to introduce to you McDonald Mariga as my running mate! A son of Kenyan football, Mariga’s journey from local streets to international stadiums is proof of what Kenyan talent can achieve,” Hussein retorted.
“Now, he’s back to help build a system that nurtures the next generation right here at home. Together, we’re setting the foundation for a Fresh Start in Kenyan football,” Hussein added.
Earlier on, the FKF national top seat aspirant had criticized the electoral board for failing to devolve the voter registration verification, appeals processes and petitions saying that teams shouldn’t be forced to travel to Nairobi for petitions because devolving the process and offering proper civic education were key steps the FKF Electoral Board missed.
Under the tag name ‘ A fresh start ‘ , Hussein’s running mate Mariga emphasized the importance of accountability and honesty while managing football in Kenya promising that if elected, their leadership will ensure football is brought back to Kenyans.
“Together, we bring a vision that begins at the grassroots and aims to put Kenyan football on the global map. We need Kenyans to start believing again as we fix whatever went wrong in the first place,” said the 40 times Harambee Stars capped midfielder.
Hussein and Mariga now have a huge task ahead of them, to convince FKF delegates that they deserve better to clinch the 2024 FKF Presidential top seat ahead of KPL side Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, Gor Mahia Secretary General Samuel Ochola, former federation boss Sam Nyamweya who wants a comeback, former Gormahia and national team player Sammy Owino, former Kenya Premier League ( KPL) chief executive officer Jack Oguda and Tom Alila who is a former FKF Nec Member.
The FKF electoral board has already scheduled the elections for December 7th this year, an announcement that has already send chills of fear and anticipation among football stake holders in the country.
