FKF names acting CEO in place of Muthomi

Football Kenya Football (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa (L) and acting CEO Barry Otieno shake hands after a press briefing over John Avire’s purported transfer at the Goal project offices in Nairobi [sportpicha.com]

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has appointed Barry Otieno as its acting Chief Executive Officer, a day after the holder of the post stepped aside.

Robert Muthomi decided to step aside on Sunday to pave way for investigations into the transfer saga involving Sofapaka player John Avire.

According to FKF president Nick Mwendwa, the investigations to be undertaken by its disciplinary committee will last for between 30 and 45 days.

“The disciplinary committee will look at all the allegations and then write to us a recommendation on what steps to take over the matter,” he said.

He added: “In the interest of fairness to all parties we will allow the committee to do its work without any interference and then report to us.”

The FKF Disciplinary Committee is chaired by lawyer Aden Mohammed.

The FKF boss said it is Muthomi who had requested to step aside to allow for investigations to be carried out on the matter.

“In the last seven days, there have been accusations and counter-accusations over the player John Avire. We had a chat with Robert Muthomi and he offered to step aside as the matter is investigated.

“We accepted his request and now we must allow the disciplinary committee to deal with the matter conclusively. In the meantime, the emergency committee has decided to appoint Barry Otieno as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“It is important that we continue executing our mandate as a federation and continue with our business as usual.”

On Sunday, Muthomi who had earlier indicated his willingness to continue hanging on after Sofapaka accused him of being involved in the transfer of John Avire stepped aside.

He said in a statement: “For my integrity and that of the office of the FKF General Secretary it is better to pave way for a thorough and credible process to be undertaken.

“I am also convinced that this is the best course of action both for public confidence in myself and the institution that is FKF.

“My continued execution of the role of General Secretary while this process is ongoing may be seen as an attempt to influence the investigation process,” he said.

“I would like to reiterate that I have not resigned my position as General Secretary and CEO of FKF and that I believe at the end of the investigation I shall be vindicated and cleared of these malicious accusations.

“I trust that the FKF President will move quickly to expedite the investigation process with a view of ensuring justice and fairness for all.”