MacDonald Mariga Announces Candidacy for FKF Presidency in Eldoret

Eldoret, Kenya – Former international footballer MacDonald Mariga has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Kenya Football Federation (FKF). Mariga made the announcement in Eldoret town, expressing confidence in his chances of securing enough votes to win the position in the upcoming elections.

According to Kenya News Agency, his decision to join the race came after extensive consultations with supporters and stakeholders in the football community across the country. He is aiming to succeed Nick Mwenda, who is ineligible to run for the position again after completing a two-four-year term. Mariga has promised to introduce new ideas to the administration and management of football in Kenya if elected.

Mariga is set to face several competitors in the race, including Hussein Mohammed, known for his association with the Super 8 Tournament, and Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, who is based in the United States. Other candidates include Gor Mahia Secretary General Samuel Ochola and former long-serving Football Kenya Federation chief Sam Nyamweya.

However, Mariga has raised concerns about the stringent rules set by the FKF electoral board for presidential candidates. He has urged the board to relax some of these rules, which he believes could unfairly restrict potential candidates from participating in the elections.

The FKF electoral board’s rules require presidential candidates to be cleared by various government agencies. This includes presenting a clearance letter from the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), a clearance certificate from the Higher Education Loan Board (HELB), an acknowledgment document from the anti-graft agency, and a tax compliance certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Additionally, candidates must gain support from a club in the national leagues and have a record of being registered as a national executive member, committee member, referee, coach, or player in the FKF league or club for three of the last four years.

Mariga’s entry into the FKF presidential race adds another dimension to what is expected to be a highly competitive election, with candidates vying to shape the future of football in Kenya.