FKF delegates endorse Barry for presidency

FKF presidential candidate Barry Otieno (second right) during a consultative meeting with football stakeholders in Nyandarua on November 6, 2024. [Courtesy]

FKF presidential candidate Barry Otieno and his running mate Lucy Kageni on Wednesday received a boost to their campaign after they were endorsed by delegates from Nyandarua, Baringo, and Samburu counties.

This comes barely a few days after the former federation CEO was accused by his rivals of preparing a list of delegates ahead of the elections that starts with the County polls on Saturday before the national elections on December 7.

“It is inaccurate to say that I prepared the list of delegates. That list is known by football stakeholders. I just collected raw data as a list and gave it to the FKF Electoral Board, and they published it. Members of the public and football stakeholders questioned those names, it was rectified and put out,” Otieno said during Monday’s FKF Presidential Debate in Nairobi.

Otieno faces stiff competition from FKF deputy president Doris Petra, Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’, Hussein Mohammed, Cleophas Shimanyula, Tom Alila, Sam Ochola and Chris Amimo.

But with less than four days to the branch elections that will give directions on who will replace outgoing president Nick Mwendwa, Kenneth Rutto, unopposed for the Baringo County chairperson seat believes they have joined a winning camp.

“We have had discussions with other candidates, and we believe Barry represents the inclusive leadership and commitment to governance that FKF needs. We believe he is the right choice to lead Kenyan football forward,” said Rutto.

The consultative meeting was graced by Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda among other football stakeholders.

Otieno is set to hold other consultative meetings with stakeholders from the FKF Premier League, Women’s Premier League, National Super League, Division One League, and other FKF county branches.