Referees demand ‘independent’ arbiter

Referees have joined candidates for the forthcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections in demanding a level playing ground.

Kenya Football Referees Association (KFRA) Chairman GMT Ottieno said the referees, who have a vote in the election, won’t allow “a selected electoral board”. “We demand an independent electoral board to run the exercise, not a committee hand-picked by (FKF President) Nyamweya,” he told FeverPitch. Candidates for the top seat, Gor Semelang’o and Nick Mwendwa, have also called for a level playing field.

Semelang’o accused Nyamweya of trying to manipulate the forthcoming elections, saying this was evident in his decision to appoint the city lawyer Donald Kipkorir as the election board chairman.

“Why did he appoint an election board in the elections he has an interest in? These are the tricks we don’t want to see. Rules and regulations must be followed. We have an independent agency - Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission - that can oversee the elections process smoothly,” said Semelang’o when he met the KFRA chairman last weekend.

Semelang’o said vetting of clubs must be done by an independent body. He said the clubs to vote are those who have taken part in leagues for the past two years.

“Referees are very important stakeholders in football. That’s why we are meeting. They’re facing many challenges which are affecting their performance in the game. We can’t demand the best from our referees yet they don’t received quality training. They need proper development,” said Semelang’o.

Ottieno also clarified that meeting Semeleng’o did not mean the referees had endorsed him for the presidency.

“We shall meet candidates, and hear what their agenda is. “On that basis, we shall make an informed decision and choice. We shall be meeting (Nick) Mwendwa on Monday,” he said.