The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Executive Committee (NEC) has compelled its president, Hussein Mohammed, to step aside following a hard-hitting investigative story published by The Standard and aired on KTN. The exposé uncovered a significant financial scandal involving the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Pamoja tournament, which was co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The scandal centers on allegations that the CHAN 2024 event was staged without valid insurance cover. Instead, an amount of Sh42.4 million, intended for insurance brokerage fees, was reportedly wired to a company lacking the necessary license to operate, or allegedly to Hussein Mohammed's personal account. This discovery led to immediate action by the FKF NEC.

During a crucial Friday afternoon meeting, the NEC resolved that Hussein Mohammed must step aside. His deputy, McDonald Mariga, has been appointed to take over in an acting capacity, pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation and forensic audit into the affairs of the FKF. Additionally, acting CEO Dennis Gicheru and NEC member Abdallah Yusuf were also asked to step aside in connection with the same allegations, to facilitate an impartial probe by relevant FKF, national, and international bodies.

The NEC members expressed their concern over their alleged exclusion from performing their roles within the federation. To address the immediate fallout and restore order, the meeting also resolved to freeze all bank accounts belonging to FKF where Mr. Hussein Rashid Mohammed is a signatory in his fiduciary capacity as an agent and delegate of Football Kenya Federation, effective immediately.

Further emphasizing their commitment to transparency and accountability, the NEC members formally requested the global football governing body FIFA, Africa's football governing body CAF, and the Ministry of Sports to appoint reputable independent forensic auditors. These auditors are tasked with scrutinizing FKF affairs, officials, and bodies concerning all funds received from each of these entities.

In a move to ensure future compliance and rectify any existing discrepancies, the NEC also decided that all existing contracts entered into by the Football Kenya Federation would be thoroughly reviewed by the National Executive Committee. Mariga is also expected to constitute an urgent NEC meeting to further streamline the federation's operations.

The critical NEC meeting was attended by McDonald Mariga, Kenneth Macharia (Central NEC), Peter Kamau (Lower Rift), Benard Korir (Upper Rift), Caleb Sikobe (Western), Violet Kerubo (Women), Dan Shikanda (Nairobi), Collins Opiyo (Nyanza), and Gabriel Mghendi (Coast). Mohammed Dabar, Charles Njoka, and nominated member Kenneth Rungu were not in attendance.