‘NO FALL OUT IN FKF’: Nyamweya calls on branches to respect constitution and critics to desist from “mob justice”

FKF failed AGM.
FKF president Sam Nyamweya flanked by other officials address a press conference at Sameta Lodge in Kisii county on June 26,2015 after the organization's AGM failed to take off. The president cited in security as a threat to their meeting. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)Caption

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has dismissed claims of a falling-out with branches after a group of officials called for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on August 30, two days after a planned Annual General Meeting (AGM).

With elections due in late October, several disgruntled branch officials have taken head-on FKF president Sam Nyamweya, saying the first AGM on June 26 was wrongly called off.

On Friday, the caucus, meeting at Kasarani, vowed to go ahead with their SGM on August 30.

But yesterday, Nyamweya said the conveners of the meeting were out to cause confusion.

“When they not undermining FKF sponsors, they are calling for unconstitutional meetings. They are out to get the FKF leadership at all costs, even if it contravenes the constitution.

“Again, this is a matter of procedure which is laid out in clear terms in our constitution. An AGM can only be called by the National Executive Committee, which has already done its part by issuing notice of the meeting. An SGM can be called by the National Executive Committee at the request of members, who must do so by petitioning the NEC in writing and a signed memorandum of 50% plus one of bonafide delegates.

“So, the so-called petition for the SGM falls short of the provisions of Article 28 (2) of the FKF Constitution and we have already communicated as much. But even if the threshold was met as per the Article I have referred to, those calling for the SGM are out of order because there is in place a substantive notice for an AGM.

He added: “What they should do is to prepare their motions for inclusion in the agenda for the AGM once that window opens up but what is appalling is that they have not raised anything new to what the agenda by the National Executive Committee has approved as the agenda so the mischief is clear and Kenyans can see that in black and white.”

After the branches’ meeting at Kasarani, a joint statement read by Evans Mwachia, a representative of South Coast branch, said, “We have decided to go ahead with the Special General Meeting because we don’t agree with the reasons for its cancellation.”

Nyamweya, however, said: “For once, let FKF’s critics separate Nyamweya the man and the federation. Let them also respect the constitution, for it holds everyone to account for his or her actions,” Nyamweya said.

They have been all over even trying to influence our partners to terminate our relationship so that we end up looking bad.

“StarTimes remains the official media partners of Harambee Stars and other national teams and once all the necessary formalities have been finalised with CAF and their agents. The deal will be effective as we had intended,” Nyamweya told the media, yesterday.

Asked why he has not stepped down from the FKF presidency after he was named in Ethics and Anti-corruption list of shame, Nyamweya said, “he was a victim of mob-justice”.

“I have letters from my accusers withdrawing those claims before the EACC, saying they were misled into lodging them in the first place. To that end, I cannot make further comment because as a law-abiding citizen of this country, I respect the institutions we have entrusted with law enforcement. Trial by mob justice or perception cannot help any cause, we must stick to the law and that is what I have done and will continue to do.”

Regarding the suspended officials, Nyamweya said their cases will be reviewed at the AGM on August 28.

“I have no powers to lift their suspensions. However, as the National Executive Committee we can recommend to the delegates for the decision lies with them.”