The decision, which was reached on Friday, saw NEC member Abdullahi Yussuf Ibrahim and acting CEO Dennis Gicheru also ordered to step aside to allow for investigations into the allegations.
Hussein was expected to issue a comprehensive response on “the CHAN insurance story” and other allegations put against his administration before the NEC members went ahead of him to make the decision.
According to multiple reports, the controversy stems from a high-value insurance arrangement for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania on February 25th.
The reports further indicated that FKF awarded a contract worth KSh 42,406,815 to a recently registered company, despite receiving more competitive offers from well-known insurers.
Misappropriation of public funds
“It has come to the attention of the NEC and the country that serious breaches of the FKF Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Kenya including: financial impropriety,” read part of the statement which was signed by nine out of fourteen members of the National Executive Committee seen by Flashscore.
“Misappropriation of public funds, including alleged theft of approximately Kh42,000,000 from the CHAN bank account, serious breaches of the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act 2015 and Public Finance Management Act, including non-competitive procurement of goods and services and conflict of interest.”
The statement added: “With immediate effect, Hussein Mohammed to step aside from his role and position as President of Football Kenya Federation, Abdullahi Ibrahim to step aside from his role as nominated member of FKF NEC committee, and Dennis Gicheru to step aside from his position as the acting secretary general, so as to allow for investigations.”
Mariga named acting FKF President
Apart from asking Mohammed to step aside, the NEC members picked former Kenya national team Harambee Stars midfielder Macdonald Mariga to serve as the acting President with immediate effect.
“The Deputy President of FKF Macdonald Mariga to take over the roles of and responsibilities of President of FKF in an acting capacity with immediate effect pending completion of investigations and forensic audit into the affairs of Football Kenya Federation,” the statement continued.
Mariga was mandated to convene an urgent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The NEC members further asked for all bank accounts belonging to FKF, and under the name of Hussein Mohammed, to be frozen with immediate effect.
The resolution cited Article 40 of the FKF Constitution, stating a written resolution supported by a majority of NEC members is legally valid and carries the same authority as decisions made in a formal sitting.
The NEC meeting that led to the resolution was attended by nine members, while three members, namely Charles Njagi, Ahmedqadar Mohammed Dabar and Kenneth Rungu, did not attend.
Mohammed, who was in Uganda attending the Confederation of African Football (CAF) meeting to discuss the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), had earlier blamed his woes on malicious people, who were fighting to bring him down, but vowed not to allow it happen.
“Through such a malicious campaign, a lifetime of sacrifice, dedication and investment to help develop our social fabric through sports can go up in smoke, just like that,” Mohammed wrote on his social media handles.
“Reputation ruined forever. I shall not allow it. In this regard, I shall be issuing a comprehensive response to these heinous, fabricated allegations and all other planned propaganda. We know all their plans.”
Mohammed took charge of FKF on December 8th, 2024, after winning an election. He collected 42 votes in the first round of voting, 11 more than second-placed, immediate former FKF vice president Doris Petra.