- FKF Electoral Board has been criticized for barring nine candidates from county elections, despite claims they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Twaha Mbarak, Cleophas Shimanyula’s running mate, insists the disqualification violates the candidates’ rights.
- Mbarak has also demanded the board’s transparency, warning of legal action if the issue isn’t resolved.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Electoral Board is facing backlash following its decision to exclude nine candidates from the upcoming county elections. According to Twaha Mbarak, Cleophas Shimanyula’s running mate, the board’s move infringes upon the candidates’ rights, as they reportedly meet all outlined eligibility requirements in the FKF electoral code.
The barred candidates include Salim Ali Said from Mombasa, Eliakim Mbaliwa from Nakuru, Bwanamku Fumo from Lamu, Isaac Munene from Trans Nzoia, Patrick Kamora from Tana River, Zablon Mwanyumba from Taita Taveta, Kefa Onditi from Nakuru, Abdisalam Ahmed from Mandera, and Daudi Ali from Wajir. Mbarak further highlighted the exclusion of 25 clubs from the Garissa FKF County Branch, claiming they were unfairly barred from participating in the electoral process.
In his statement, Mbarak criticized the Electoral Board, accusing it of undermining its own integrity and casting doubt on the fairness and credibility of the election. He demanded the immediate reinstatement of the disqualified candidates, urging the board to strictly adhere to the FKF code to ensure a transparent process. “Failure to address these issues will leave us with no option but to pursue all available legal means to protect the integrity of the process and the rights of the candidates,” Mbarak warned.
This controversy arises shortly after the FKF Electoral Board confirmed that 11 county chairmen would run unopposed in the elections due to either a lack of opposing candidates or candidate disqualifications. The unopposed candidates include Kenneth Ruto (Baringo), Maurice Ogweno (Homa Bay), Denis Murimi (Kirinyaga), and others.
As branch elections commence across 38 counties this weekend, these developments have sparked concerns over the transparency of the FKF electoral process. The results will pave the way for national elections set for Saturday, December 7, with Mbarak and others closely monitoring the board’s actions.
