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FKF Elections: A high-stakes persuasion game involving numbers, intrigues

The polls are undoubtedly a turning point in Kenyan football history.

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by TONY MBALLA

Football06 December 2024 - 11:00
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In Summary


  • Strategy sessions and consultative meetings are being held in various locations.
  • The current dynamics are greatly influenced by the branch elections that were held earlier.

The recently concluded FKF branch elections/ Courtesy
Less than 24 hours remain until the eagerly anticipated Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections, and the competition has intensified as different factions try to assemble their support, convince delegates, and obtain last-minute commitments.

Given the fierce competition and significant stakes, strategy sessions and consultative meetings are being held in various locations.

Team Blue flag bearer Doris Petra/HANDOUT
Team Blue—the camp that is led by incumbent Nick Mwendwa and Doris Petra—seems to be in a dominant position.

As of last night, 34 delegates from their camp were reportedly present at their consultative meeting, according to credible sources.

The number increased to 39 by the early hours of this morning, giving them a sizable advantage over their rivals.

Consistency and organisation are reported to be the hallmarks of Team Blue's approach.

Delegates have reportedly found them more appealing because of their campaign's distinct slate of favored candidates for National Executive Committee (NEC) posts.

A record of 53 voting delegates attended the team's meeting in Naivasha three weeks ago, more than any other candidate or camp.

At Machakos County's Maanzoni Lodge, another well-known presidential candidate, Hussein Mohammed, hosted his delegates.

According to sources, his camp only had 14 delegates this morning out of the 17 that were there last night.

Analysts blame the lack of a unified strategy and internal conflicts for this decline.

Hussein's capacity to successfully mobilise delegates has also been hampered by his inability to present a cohesive NEC lineup.

Multiple candidates are reportedly competing for the same NEC positions within his camp, which causes delegates to become confused and lose confidence.

Only eight delegates allegedly attended Barry Otieno's camp, while Kempes, another contender, only had one delegates—his running mate from Nzoia FC—at his camp, suggesting that he is about to withdraw from the race.

These low figures raise concerns about their overall strategy and influence and imply a lack of traction.

The current dynamics are greatly influenced by the branch elections that were held earlier.

With 32 of the 48 FKF branches supporting Team Blue, Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa have a significant edge.

Only 14 branch delegates reportedly support Hussein Mohammed, and the other camps are hardly represented.

The scene has been dominated by frantic calls and behind-the-scenes meetings as the election draws near.

These efforts seem to have reportedly benefited Team Blue the most, as their camp continues to expand.

According to reports, delegates have been allegedly presented with alluring incentives, such as assurances of logistical support for their regions and positions in the incoming administration.

Observers have noted that Team Blue’s approach stands out for its professionalism and focus.

A carefully thought-out plan is evident in the team's ability to recruit more delegates with fewer consultative sessions.

Delegates have responded favourably to their emphasis on unity and unambiguous communication of their vision.

This election is a struggle for influence and legacy in Kenyan football in addition to leadership.

The next four years of Kenyan football will be shaped by the incoming administration, which will work to maintain Kenya's international reputation after FIFA suspended and reinstated the country, develop grassroots football, and find sponsors.

The race is turning out to be a test of strategy, perseverance, and persuasion as the hours pass.

The odds may be in favor of Team Blue, but in this crucial political drama, things could still change.

The FKF elections are undoubtedly a turning point in Kenyan football history.

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