By Amanda Damaris
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has issued a stern warning over the state of Kenyan football, declaring that the sport has been surrendered to “conmen” while seasoned experts are sidelined. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Speaking during Senate proceedings on Tuesday, Senator Khalwale expressed frustration over the leadership of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). He criticized FKF President Hussein Mohammed for marginalizing his deputy, McDonald Mariga, whom he described as the individual who truly understands the sport.
“There is something in the world called the footballing economy. It is the best-paying job in the world,” Khalwale stated, noting that stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo command higher earnings than world leaders. “Why can’t we put our soccer in order? We put our soccer in the hands of conmen.”
Khalwale questioned why leadership that “knows nothing about football” is allowed to override guidance from figures like Mariga, the first Kenyan player to score in the UEFA Champions League. He cited examples from Cameroon and Nigeria, where legendary figures like Samuel Eto’o and Jay-Jay Okocha are respected authorities on national football affairs.
CALL FOR NORMALISATION COMMITTEE
The Senator’s remarks come on the heels of parliamentary action led by Kiminini Member of Parliament Hon. Kaikai Bissau, who requested a formal statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture regarding governance crisis at the FKF.
The parliamentary inquiry follows escalating mismanagement in the local league, highlighted by a recently abandoned match between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United at the Ulinzi Sports Complex after a controversial penalty decision.
Hon. Bissau highlighted several critical concerns plaguing the sport:
- Delayed League Commencement: Ongoing leadership disputes and financial uncertainties continue to stall the 2026–2027 Premier League season, leaving club owners with heavy financial burdens.
- National Team Preparedness: Governance issues threaten the preparation of the Harambee Stars ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
- Unpaid Dues & Work Permits: Outstanding payments to players remain unsettled, while work permit approvals for head coach Bennie McCarthy and his technical staff are stalled.
In light of these issues, Hon. Bissau urged Parliament to explore forming a Normalisation Committee in line with FIFA regulations to restore order and safeguard the nation’s football economy.
