Football Kenya federation poll dilemma: Kipkorir faces election dilemma as exercise is called off again

Lawyer Donald Kipkorir representing Central Bank Governor Prof Njuguna Ndungu at the Milimani Law Courts when High Court Judge Justice George Odunga issues stay orders for 14 days stopping his arrest and prosecution over the alleged irregular award of Sh 1.2 billion tender to Horsebridge Networks Systems (E.A) Ltd, for the installation of a security management system at CBK headquarters and its branches.FIDELIS KABUNYI

The Donald Kipkorir-led Independent Elections Board, which is overseeing Football Kenya Federation polls, is in turmoil over the handling of the exercise, FeverPitch can reveal.

For the umpteenth time, the board has postponed the Branch and National elections with sub-branch elections yet to be concluded – an exercise some stakeholders say “should have been straightforward compared to the 2011 poll”.

Initially, the elections were to begin on October 29, but were moved to December 4. But even then the exercise ran into strong headwinds with missing voter list, changed poll venues without notice and a mix-up of candidate lists. In some instances clubs were moved from their sub-branches to neighbouring locations.

Yesterday, Kipkorir issued a statement cancelling branch elections that ought to have been conducted today, citing a deluge of appeals against the sub-branch polls.

“With great regret, FKF Elections Board announces cancellation of Branch and National Elections scheduled for December 18th and 22nd respectively. The cancellation has been necessitated by the ongoing appeals at the FKF Appeals Board, which appeals arise from the recently concluded Sub–Branch Elections,” the statement read.

The Kipkorir-led poll body has come under fierce criticism for allegedly tampering with the voter register – claims lent credence by two of the board’s members (Steven Mburu and Maj (rtd) Suleiman Gharib, but denied by Irene Tindi and David Mareka).

Former FKF Secretary General/CEO Lordvick Aduda said the board failed to consult widely in the face of emerging challenges.

“I raised concerns with the board that the exercise would not be free and fair, but rather than listen, the board insisted they had put in place mechanisms to reconcile the discrepancies as they arise,” Aduda, who was instrumental in the relative success of the 2011 poll, said.

“The board gave the impression they were in control. However, there is a feeling, now, that there is mischief with respect to entry of data. Proof is the fact that there are areas where ghost clubs were inserted and genuine ones removed from the final register. In some cases, aspirants’ names were altered, expunged or entered for positions they not apply for,” Aduda said adding that those discrepancies have now been detected by the appeals board.

The FKF Appeals Board, which like the Elections Board was created by the federation’s top organ, the AGM, ruled on Wednesday that there was merit in a number of appeals.

FKF Vice presidential candidate Twaha Mbarak said the exercise could have been handled better, but maintained those appealing are exercising their right.

“We at the Coast appealed when 50 clubs were expunged from the voter register and succeeded to have them reinstated. So I believe there are anomalies and those affected should be given a fair hearing even if it means elections spill into next year,” Twaha said.

FKF Vice President Robert Asembo faulted the squeezed timelines which he said gives little time for appeals.

“To be able to deliver a free, fair and credible elections, the Board should follow the laid down roadmap and ensure all its arms are ready to conduct the event,” Asembo said.

The first set of appeals were heard on Wednesday by the appeals board chaired by Aden Mohammed.

Two of the cases were deemed to have merit and repeat elections will be held. This will be done in Nyanza West and Lower Eastern.

In this two cases, the appeals board has ordered the electoral board to adapt list of clubs submitted by the respective chairmen and secretary generals but without prejudice to the board’s power to verify any modifications, that might be necessary in the circumstance,”

This means that elections in Migori, Suba, Kuria and Homabay all under Nyanza West and Embu, Mbeere, Meru South and Tharaka all under Lower Eastern will have to be repeated.

The appeals board however dismissed another case filed by Stephen Ochiel wanting a repeat of the elections in Bondo and Nyando sub-branches due to lack of merit.

It is from the sub branch elections that delegates are picked to participate in the branch polls and so failure to conclude them directly affects the process.

With new dates now uncertain fears are that the elections could end up being held next year.