News Focus
- The Sports Disputes Tribunal has stopped disciplinary action against FKF vice president McDonald Mariga.
- The ruling blocks proceedings that began after a complaint from Migori branch chairman Bernard Odongo.
- This decision marks the latest chapter in the bitter feud between Mariga and FKF president Hussein Mohammed.
- The tribunal will review the case again on June 2, 2026.
- FIFA and the EACC are also monitoring the federation’s internal conflicts.
The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has stopped the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) from punishing vice president McDonald Mariga. The tribunal issued the orders on Thursday evening, May 22.
Allan Mola chaired the panel. He ruled that the federation must not continue with its disciplinary case against the former Harambee Stars player. The case started after officials filed a charge sheet on May 19.
The tribunal stated, “A temporary injunction is hereby issued, pending the hearing and determination of this application.” The order prevents FKF from starting or continuing any disciplinary steps against Mariga.
Mariga went to court after Bernard Odongo, the Migori branch chair, complained against him. This legal victory adds fuel to the ongoing war between Mariga and FKF president Hussein Mohammed.
The conflict started when Mariga led a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on April 23. The committee tried to remove Mohammed from office. They accused him of involvement in a suspicious payment of Ksh 42.7 million. The money went to an unlicensed insurance company for the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) last year. Kenya co-hosted this tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.
However, Mohammed refused to step down. He cited the FKF constitution, which states that only the president can call NEC meetings. He argued that the meeting was illegal.
Mohammed has since taken the matter to both the SDT and the High Court. Both courts have given him temporary orders that stop his removal.
Meanwhile, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating claims that officials stole money from the federation. FIFA has also joined the fray. The world governing body sent a letter asking for details about the April 23 meeting. They want to see the official notices and proof of how officials convened the session.
The tribunal ordered Mariga to serve the court papers to all parties by Thursday evening. FKF and other interested parties must file their responses within seven days. The case will come back to court on June 2 for further directions.
Mariga may celebrate this win, but the fight for control of Kenyan football is far from over.