We will follow our own programme, says Hatimy

By Gilbert Wandera

Fifa-recognised officials of the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) say they are not bound by national election date announced by the Government registered faction.

The Government-backed faction has set December 28 as the date for national polls and have invited all those interested to participate in the polls expected to usher in new officials for a period of four years.

But Mohammed Hatimy (`

"Our AGM was stopped three months ago and this was planned to set dates for national elections. We have to call another meeting for the same purpose and this will be soon," he said without disclosing the date.

But Government-registered chairman Sam Nyamweya said nobody will change the December 28 date to elect new officials.

"We know those tactics and we won’t allow anybody to interfere with KFF rules. Elections were last held on December 29, 2004. They will have to be held again on December 28," said Nyamweya.

Asked about the election date, Hatimy said: "Our calendar was changed and this means that we have until March 2009 to hold elections if we don’t do it in December. But I am not saying that we will not hold polls in December."

But Nyamweya challenged Hatimy to tell Kenyans why the AGM was stopped. "Does it mean they are in office illegally?" asked Nyamweya.

Hatimy has also ruled out joint elections, insisting that Fifa only recognises them and will not allow non-members to participate.

"There will be no joint elections. We insist that those suspended will not participate in the polls until the suspensions are lifted," added Hatimy.

Reminded that holding elections on their own may add to the existing wrangles, Hatimy said they are confident to have the mandate of all clubs to manage football.