TROUBLE IN FKF BOARD: Chairman Kipkorir calls for replacement of Irene Tindi, David Mereka

Member of the FKF election board and Centre for Multiparty Democracy, sports coordinator Irene Tindi during the inauguration of the Football Kenya Federation Elections and Appeals boards at Hotel Sarova Panafric on Saturday, Oct 3, 2015. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO. (R) Chairman FKF election board Donald Kipkorir during the inauguration of the Football Kenya Federation Elections and Appeals boards at Hotel Sarova Panafric on Saturday, Oct 3, 2015. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO.

A deep rift is threatening the Football Kenya Federation's electoral board, raising doubts about the credibility of the forthcoming national elections.

Trouble started on Monday when board chairman Donald Kipkorir wrote a letter to FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya asking him to replace two board members.

In his letter, Kipkorir writes: "In pursuance to Rule 7 (iv) of The FKF Election Rules & Regulations, I hereby ask for the removal and replacement of Irene Tindi and David Mereka as Board Members."

Kipkorir accuses the two of "continued and wilful insubordination, disobedience, undermining and countermanding the chairman and the board, and for deliberately sowing discord between the Board and the FKF Executive."

"I urge that you exercise the mandate of FKF Executive and make the replacements as soon as possible," concludes the letter.

In his reply, however, Nyamweya calls for restraint over the matter. "I acknowledge receiving your email regarding the conduct of Board Members Irene Tindi and David Mereka and I fully understand your position following recent events, which I have also taken note of."

"However, I suggest that we make efforts to address the issues you have raised through dialogue before taking the final straw. I appeal that we exercise sobriety and restraint as we handle this matter."

"For the record, FKF's position is that no member of the board has the latitude to disrespect the authority of the chairman and that all decisions, correspondence thereof and everything about the board must be done with express authority from the Chairman."

Contacted, Mereka said he was aware of the letter calling for his replacement, but denied disrespecting his chairman.

"At no time have I disrespected my chairman, but (he) has always raised issues," he said.

Mereka raised concern that the chairman is too busy to serve in the board and urged him to create more time for the duty.

"For example, he has called for a meeting on Thursday, yet there are urgent issues we must deal with before then. If we continue this way, we may not be able to conduct a free and fair election," said Mereka.

Kipkorir could not be reached for comment as calls to his line went unanswered, neither did he respond to our text messages.

Commenting on the stand-off, presidential candidate Sammy Sholei hit at the board, as he questioned their true value ahead of the elections.

In a Facebook post, Sholei wrote:"I have no confidence in the board - This man Donald Kipkorir means no good, he is up to something fishy."

Sholei also called on the board to be reconstituted by the Ministry of Sports for a free and fair process.