CAF issues statement on developments in Kenyan football- reacts to arrest of Mwendwa

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa addressing the media at Lamada Hotel on November 11th 2021 dismissing the Caretaker Committee that was formed by CS Amina Mohamed [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a statement on the ongoing saga at the Kenya Football Federation (FKF) following the arrest and detention of Embattled (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa.

In a statement released on its website on Sunday, the continental football governing weighed in on government - FKF saga, promising to avail itself to meet with the relevant stakeholders to try and discuss the solutions to the current impasse.

“Caf has noted with concern reports in Kenya media on the developments in that country including the alleged arrest of Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa,” reads a part of the statement.

CAF also backed FIFA’s position.

“In addition, Caf has also noted the letter from Fifa to the government authorities in Kenya on the concerns regarding the independence of the FKF highlighted in recent weeks.

“Caf supports the position of Fifa on the matter and will avail itself to meet relevant stakeholders in Kenya to discuss solutions to the current impasse in this regard.

“Caf is deeply concerned about the situation and the manner in which the situation is unfolding and notes all the allegations that have been made.

“Caf is committed to good governance in African football administration; at this stage, we will not make any further comments until we have a full understanding of the entire picture. Caf together with Fifa are monitoring the situation.”

Last week on Friday afternoon, detectives from the serious crimes unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations nabbed Mwendwa as he attempted to visit the Harambee Stars in their camp at Nairobi hotel and whisked him to Kiambu Road for questioning before locking him up overnight at Gigiri Police Station.

The development came barely a day after Fifa responded to FKF’s email on the disbandment of the Nick Mwendwa-led office with Fifa Chief of Members Association Kenny Jean-Marie saying that they will not hesitate to sanction Kenya if CS Amina Mohamed’s decision to appoint the 15-member Caretaker Committee and 12-member Secretariat is upheld without engaging the Zurich-based body.