Tag: Sam Nyamweya

Nick Mwendwa retains seat as Kenya finally conducts football polls

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/elvince-joshua-sports-africa/" rel="tag">ELVINCE JOSHUA - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

Kenya finally held the long awaited elections with Nick Mwendwa being handed another four-year term to continue serving as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss.

These polls were initially set for December 2019 but was twice stopped by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) over eligibility criteria and violation  of electoral procedures.

But after a protracted court battle, SDT on Friday okayed the exercise to go on despite loud protest from the Sports Registrar and a section of aspirants who had initially pulled out of the race altogether.

The registrar had argued that the branch elections that were held last month had not been submitted to her office and therefore the delegates had no power to elect the national office.

Despite the drama that has surrounded the election, Mwendwa finally retained his seat with an emphatic victory, tallying 77 votes against his closest challenger, Lordvick Aduda.

Aduda, the former FKF Secretary General and former Gor Mahia CEO garnered a paltry five votes, followed by Herbert Mwachiro who got two less. The other two of the five candidates, journalist Bonface Osano and former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mule returned zero votes.

But it seems the drama is not yet over after former FKF boss, Sam Nyamweya promised to continue with his fight for justice and accountability at Fifa Goal Project (FKF headquarters) that has been rocked by scandals under Mwendwa’s first term in office.

Nyamweya is among the group of candidates who boycotted the exercise “to demand for free and fair electoral process.”

He released a strongly worded statement last Friday warning that the battle is just but begining.

“We wish to assure that our quest for electoral justice is undeterred and, once we review the ruling, we shall explore all possible legal and political avenues to ensure compliance to the rule of law.

“It is just the beginning of what will be a long, protracted fight for electoral justice so anybody celebrating is doing so prematurely and out of ignorance of the place of the rule of law in this country.

Nyamweya  has also called on relevant government agencies to move in and investigate FKF over alleged embezzlement of funds.

“It is a call to the government through the Ministry of Sports to intervene and save Kenya’s sovereignty from the cartel led by Nick Mwendwa which is bent on undermining the rule of law for their selfish gains.

“We renew our call for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to move with speed and prosecute Mr Mwendwa and his accomplices over the millions of money pilfered during his term in office,” he alleged in a statement seen by SPORTS AFRICA.

Not again! Nyamweya hints at going to court over FKF elections

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/sharon-adhis-sports-africa/" rel="tag">SHARON ADHIS - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

Veteran Kenyan football administrator Sam Nyamweya has hinted he may be returning to court to ‘seek justice’ after the Sports Disputes Tribunal cleared the Football Kenya Federation to conduct the national elections.

The former FKF president had filed a petition to bar the outgoing office from conducting the exercise stating the rule of law was not followed to the latter. However, the tribunal chairman John Ohaga dismissed the case.

Nyamweya has also urged the government  to follow up and prosecute the incumbent for alleged embezzlement of public funds.

The following is the full statement as obtained by SPORTS AFRICA.

“I have been fully briefed by our legal team with respect to SDT Petition No. 10 of 2020, where the tribunal dismissed our petition and gave the green light for the elections to proceed despite the custodian of the Sports Act 2013 in the Sports Registrar expressing herself categorically on the questions of law surrounding this election.

“From the outset, may I state in no uncertain terms that we do not agree with the decision of Mr John Ohaga and his panel for the reason that they opted to look the other way when confronted with fundamental legal questions and the paramount need for compliance with the rule of law?

“I salute the registrar for how gallantly she has articulated her position in defence of her legal mandate as an officer of the state empowered by statute.

“In rejecting the decision, we want to state categorically that the ruling falls short of any legal reasoning or jurisprudential philosophy but I based it on rhetoric and sideshows.   

 “Accordingly, we wish to assure that our quest for electoral justice is undeterred and we; once we review the ruling, shall explore all possible legal and political avenues to ensure compliance to the rule of law. 

“It is just the beginning of what will be a long, protracted fight for electoral justice so anybody celebrating is doing so prematurely and out of ignorance of the place of the rule of law in this country.  

“We renew our call for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations [DCI], the Director of Public Prosecutions [DPP] and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission [EACC] to move with speed and prosecute Mr Mwendwa and his accomplices over the millions of money pilfered during his term in office.

“We have evidence to suggest he should be charged for embezzlement of public resources from the government and Fifa.”

‘FKF risking it by inviting Zambia’ – Nyamweya

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/sharon-adhis-sports-africa/" rel="tag">SHARON ADHIS - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

Fromer Football Kenya Federation president  Sam Nyamweya believes the Kenya-Zambia friendly match scheduled for October 9 should be postponed.

The two nations are scheduled to meet at the Nyayo National Stadium in preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in November.

However, the veteran administrator argues the outgoing office is putting players in unnecessary risk of contacting Covid-19 by engaging in a sport currently suspended by the government.

The former FKF president insists there is no need to expose players to chances of contaminating the virus and insists there are some individuals who want to benefit from the game.

The following is his full statement regarding the situation and explanation on why Kenya should not play in October as scheduled.

“Contrary to the directive by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, and in an act of defiance, Football Kenya Federation has lined up a friendly match against Zambia national football team,fondly referred to as the Chipolopolo on Friday 9th October 2020 in Nairobi .

The Ministry of Sports Culture and Heritage has classified football as a high risk contact sport and its activities including hosting of international matches banned , until and when the Covid-19 pandemic situation improves and the health protocols by Ministry of health reviewed to accommodate resumption of active football activities.

FKF has thrown caution out of the window and relegated the life’s and safety of our players to the periphery.

This then begs the question who stands to benefit from this ill advised and hurriedly planned international friendly match if the safety of the national team players is not a factor .

Is there undue pressure to resume football activities to serve other Interest(s) other than sporting considerations, should this be allowed to override the safety and health of our players?

It is my firm position that the safety of our players is non negotiable and of paramount importance.

We should not expose our players to the health risk of getting infected with Covid-19 .

In view of the aforementioned the friendly match against Zambia National Football Team should be cancelled forthwith and the merchants pushing for this friendly match named and shamed.

Contrary to the directive by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage , and in an act of defiance, Football Kenya Federation has lined up a friendly match against Zambia national football team,fondly referred to as the Chipolopolo on Friday 9th October 2020 in Nairobi .

The Ministry of Sports Culture and Heritage has classified football as a high risk contact sport and its activities including hosting of international matches banned , until and when the Covid-19 pandemic situation improves and the health protocols by Ministry of health reviewed to accommodate resumption of active football activities.

FKF has thrown caution out of the window and relegated the life’s and safety of our players to the periphery.

This then begs the question who stands to benefit from this ill advised and hurriedly planned international friendly match if the safety of the national team players is not a factor .

Is there undue pressure to resume football activities to serve other Interest(s) other than sporting considerations, should this be allowed to override the safety and health of our players?

It is my firm position that the safety of our players is non negotiable and of paramount importance.

We should not expose our players to the health risk of getting infected with Covid-19 .

In view of the aforementioned the friendly match against Zambia National Football Team should be cancelled forthwith and the merchants pushing for this friendly match named and shamed.”

Nyamweya to Mwendwa: You are abusive and lack respect

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/sharon-adhis-sports-africa/" rel="tag">SHARON ADHIS - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

Once again Football Kenya Federation presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya has hit out at incumbent Nick Mwendwa for “lacking respect.”

The administrator believes the incumbent president is not using his powers to frustrate his competitors. Mwendwa has also been accused of embezzling funds and failure to account for millions during his tenure.

 With the elections coming, Nyamweya has also stated the FKF Electoral Board is illegally continuing with the process which will be annulled again.

 Here is the full signed Sam Nyamweya as obtained by SPORTS AFRICA:

 The game of football is a unifying platform, that is meant to foster friendship, respect, fairness, unity, and has no place nor space for segregation and discrimination.

The football family is one that values respect for each other, notwithstanding any other competing interests.

Nick Mwendwa has in the past few days recklessly issued statements to the media that are not only abusive and disrespectful but meant to cause chaos and anarchy amongst football stakeholders.

Schemes by Nick Mwendwa to divide the football family in Kenya based on the generation gap is not only unethical but against both FKF and Fifa Statutes which prohibit discrimination in whatever form or kind.

Any attempts, therefore, to use the quest for football leadership as tool for discrimination and to hurl abuses at opponents must be rejected and never allowed to take root.

It is ironic for Nick Mwendwa to classify himself as the ‘saviour’ of Kenyan Football while In four years the FKF regime under Nick Mwendwa has occasioned the Loss of KSh244 million funds meant for Afcon Championship and an additional KSh125 million meant for the purchase of an OB Van.

This is besides hundreds of millions in grants and sponsorship funds that cannot be accounted for.

This are facts in the public domain and widely covered both in print and electronic media.

It is the right of any football stakeholder to seek for Electoral justice through legal means and my decision to seek redress at the Sports Disputes Tribunal should not be used as a basis for unwarranted attacks on my personality.

Twice the Sports Disputes Tribunal has nullified the FKF elections based on evidence and the Law.

The onus lies with FKF Electoral Board to abide by the previous ruling and orders of the Sports Disputes Tribunal in conducting a free, fair, and credible FKF Election.

Group wants normalization committee to run FKF

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/sharon-adhis-sports-africa/" rel="tag">SHARON ADHIS - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

As SPORTS AFRICA revealed, top Football Kenya Federation presidential aspirants held a joint presser Tuesday explaining why they were not part and parcel of the nomination exercise held at the beginning of the week.

Experienced administrator Sam Nyamweya, his counterpart from Mombasa Twaha Mbarak and Nicholas Musonye stated there must be electoral reforms for a credible process.They further asked the government and stakeholders to come together and install the Normalization Committee to run the football affairs.

“There can never be a credible election without electoral reforms to the processes at FKF and it is only once those reforms are done in accordance with all applicable laws, including Fifa standard Electoral Code that we will participate in the exercise,” the trio stated in a Nairobi hotel.

“The current impasse has lasted for far too long and it is time urgent interventions were made to rescue the beautiful game from a leadership that has failed yet bent on continuing to mete out injustice against the millions of youth and other citizens who depend on football for their livelihoods.

“We firmly believe given the present circumstances and the fact the term of office of the former officials ended in February, it is now urgent that Fifa works with the government and other stakeholders to install a Normalization/Caretaker Committee to oversee the elections of new officials of the federation.”

They went on to state the process is illegal and in no way they could attend the function, leave alone supporting it.

“The current impasse has lasted for far too long and it is time urgent interventions were made to rescue the beautiful game from a leadership that has failed yet bent on continuing to mete out injustice against the millions of youth and other citizens who depend on football for their livelihoods.

“We firmly believe given the present circumstances and the fact the term of office of the former officials ended in February, it is now urgent that Fifa works with the government and other stakeholders to install a Normalization/Caretaker Committee to oversee the elections of new officials of the federation

“Being people of high integrity and law-abiding citizens of this country, we state in no uncertain terms that we will not be a party to a futile exercise or allow us to be part of a process designed to undermine democracy in the name of an election.”

Those who presented their papers on Monday are Herbert Mwachiro, Boniface Osano, Omondi Aduda, and the incumbent Nick Mwendwa who had presented his nomination papers earlier.

Top FKF candidates snub nomination process

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/sharon-adhis-sports-africa/" rel="tag">SHARON ADHIS - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

Top Football Kenya Federation presidential candidates Monday snubbed the nomination process  by the electoral board.

The board had set the date for those vying for the top seat to be verified to determine whether they qualify or not. However, as expected, top aspirants did not show up.

Former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, former Cecafa secretary-feneral Nicholas Musonye , ex-Harambee Stars international Sammy Sholei and Mombasa administrator Twaha Mbarak were a no show.

The quartet are advocating for a fair process and they believe the current regine cannot guarantee that. They have further stated several times that the outgoing office is illegally in the office, and a round table meeting between the aspirants and football stakeholders is needed to get a roadmap for the elections.

Among those who presented their nomination papers are former FKF deputy CEO Herbert Mwachiro, despite conceding the exercise has flaws.
“It is unfortunate that the same resolutions by the SDT touching on the integrity of the electoral process have not been adhered to,” he said.

“I have applied to be enjoined as an interested party in the SDT appeal case. Prior to this, I have joined other stakeholders in issuing press statements and I also submitted a petition to the National Assembly, awaiting its consideration when they return from recess.

“I have consulted delegates across the country, my campaign team, my fellow competitors and my family on whether I should submit my nomination papers despite what has clearly been a flawed process,” Mwachiro added.

“I have received unanimous backing from all the aforementioned parties with the delegates categorically stating that they would want to have options on the ballot to exercise their right to choose and to give reform a chance.”

Former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mule, journalist Bonface Osano and Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda presented their papers as well.

Nyamweya and Co are expected to address a press conference Tuesday morning.

FKF Electoral Board roadmap is null and void – Nyamweya

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/sharon-adhis-sports-africa/" rel="tag">SHARON ADHIS - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

On Tuesday, the FKF Electoral Board, through its chairperson Kentice Tikolo, announced the elections will be done in September and October.

The county elections will be done on September the 19th while the national elections will be conducted October 17 with the sub-county one following.

However, FKF presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya insists the board has no mandate to offer the roadmap. He has further insisted starting afresh means having a new registrar.

The administrator insists allowing the elected board conduct the elections will be a way of letting the incumbent return to the office with irregularities.

“We reject the road map given by the FKF Electoral Board. We treat it as a well-orchestrated plot hatched by the incumbent, executed by his hirelings masquerading as board officials, with the ultimate goal of rigging in the incumbent and his cronies,” Nyamweya said in a statement.

He went on to categorically state the Sports Disputes Tribunal sent home the National Executive Council which was responsible for making vital decisions. He has called for a roundtable meeting from the stakeholders to solve the situation.

“We the football stakeholders hold the view and right that only an all-inclusive roundtable stakeholders forum as advocated and driven by the Sports Disputes Tribunal can unlock the electoral impasse,” Nyamweya added.

“We remain committed to the process of having transparent, free, fair, credible, and verifiable FKF elections.”

‘Sponsorship deal’ between FKF and BetKing null and void – Nyamweya

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/sharon-adhis-sports-africa/" rel="tag">SHARON ADHIS - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

Football Kenya Federation presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya has hit out at the current regime for overstepping their mandate and securing sponsorship for the top tier league next season.

On Thursday, July 16, the incumbent Nick Nyamweya announced a five-year deal with Nigerian betting firm BetKing. The deal reportedly is worth KSh1.2 billion, where every Kenyan Premier League side will get KSh8 million every season.

“News of the takeover of KPL by FKF and the supposed sponsorship of KSh1.2 billion five-year sponsorship is an oxymoron,” Nyamweya said in a signed statement.

“The Kenya Premier League is the brand name of the top tier football league in Kenya run by Kenya Premier Ltd, a company mandated by Football Kenya Federation to run the league with the participating clubs as equal shareholders.

“The desperate times by the Kenyan Premier League clubs should not be used as an excuse to perpetuate illegality, the need for securing the much-needed sponsorship notwithstanding.

“This deal is shrouded in controversy, secrecy and illegalities. Simply the deal between FKF and BetKing or its holding company is not adding up.”

The veteran administrator has insisted that according to the Sports Disputes Tribunal’s March 17 ruling, the National Executive Council term expired on February 10 and there is no organ to deliberate on sponsorship or any major activity affecting football in the country.

“By dint of the SDT ruling of 17th March 2020, the President of FKF remains in office as a ceremonial president with no powers or capacity to enter into any contractual obligation for and on behalf of FKF.

“There exists a valid contract between FKF and KPL on the management of the top tier league which is set to be reviewed once the current contract lapses on or about September 24th 2020.

“The Tribunal in previous rulings held the position that KPL Ltd holds the rights to the top tier League. The Kenya Premier League Ltd has the first right to renew the contract with FKF before the same can be extended to another party.”

The former FKF president has explained why the deal signed is null and cannot be enforced.

“It, therefore, goes without saying that such a decision to revert the rights of the top tier League to the Federation and or donating the same to another entity requires the approval of a general meeting where all members are present and represented.

“The said general meeting can only be constituted once the Football Kenya Federation holds an all-inclusive, free and fair election and constitutes the organs requisite for holding a General Meeting of FKF.

“In view of the aforementioned, and the illegalities therein, the purported termination of the rights to manage the top tier league by KPL, the sponsorship contract between BetKing its parent or holding company is a nullity and cannot be enforced.”

Mwendwa, Nyamweya ‘out’ as rest form Coalition ahead of FKF elections

Posted on by <a href="http://www.sportsnews.africa/byline/elvince-joshua-sports-africa/" rel="tag">ELVINCE JOSHUA - SPORTS AFRICA</a>

The Football Kenya Federation political landscape could take a new dimension next week with a majority of presidential candidates secretly plotting a major Coalition with a common goal of toppling the incumbent, Nick Mwendwa.

Former FKF Vice President Sammy Sholei is leading a campaign to have other candidates like Nicholas Musonye, the former CECAFA Secretary General, Hebert Mwachiro, Twaha Mbarak and Gor Mahia CEO Amondi Aduda join forces for the common good of the game- a move that will change the dynamic of the long overdue elections. 
In the new power arrangement of the ‘coalition of the willing’, incumbent-Mwendwa and immediate former president Sam Nyamweya have been left out-meaning that they will have to go solo.
“Sam (Nyamweya) did his bit, he has always fought and brought a win home in the struggles of the football management – respect to him, we trusted Nick too much but he messed it up badly. As much as he has done a lot to streamline the administration of the game, it is high time that they go home and let others take it up from where they will leave, Sholei threw in the salvo.
The big announcement is expected to come out next Tuesday in Nairobi.
The long overdue polls have since been postponed twice, by the Sports Dispute Tribunal over punitive electoral code that was designed to favour the incumbent. And with the latest ruling by the High Court that that SDT can now arbitrate on matters touching on FKF, the stakeholders, more so the aspirants are not leaving any chance for further delays.
“Yes…we are headed there. That’s what I can say for now…but some may alight along the way but the mood is good,” Sholei told Sports News when asked about the talks of a possible Coalition.
“The game has to win therefore it is not about Sholei or Musonye but all football stake holders in the 47 counties-that is where our interest lies as honest leaders. We want the best for this messed up game. If it shall be Musonye, Mwachiro, Aduda, Twaha Mbarak or eve myself, so shall our support be channelled collective towards that end,” affirmed Sholei.
In the new power arrangement, Sport News understands that the Principals are entertaining the idea of having football in Kenya run by the Board of Directors as opposed to the current system that leaves all powers at the hand of the executive led by President.
“All candidates should unite for one course-to win, but have an MOU in place. If the two representing the majority win, then in the first AGM, the office of Directors of various Departments at the national level shall be created so that the game is managed by the Directors. Leaving the powers to one so-called president has killed the game. Just like the Parliament, the powers must be vested on these directors collectively.
“We have tried Chairmen and Presidents of the federation where power has been misused, our priority interest right now is to get served efficiently first as stake holders of the game and parents of the same.
“It is high time that football is managed by a board set up and NOT a presidency set up, this way it means even mama Mboga will have a say in the management of football in Kenya, we want an office that is answerable to the very low office of the federation, only that way shall the office deliver to the people that elected them.”
The race is expected to be a tough one, especially for Mwendwa, if all clubs are allowed to vote from the sub branch levels. According to the old electoral code that was thrown out by the Sports Dispute Tribunal on ground of eligibility criteria, Mwendwa wanted the elections to start from the branch level meaning that clubs at the sub branch would not have a say on who becomes the next president of the FA despite that fact that FKF constitution allows clubs to take part in all teh activities of the federation, including elections. 
Sholei wants the elections to be conducted once and for all to set the stage for a new chapter once football resumes in the country.
“Even the players themselves dont know what the future holds for them, again, with the pandemic that is at hand with us. 
But the rules of election must be accommodative so that my brothers and sisters that played for this country may have a chance to lead at the FKF offices around the country the popularly known as former players.
Should Sholei convince the other candidates to join ship, then Mwendwa and Nyamweya will find themselves in the periphery and must therefore work extra hard to sway voters on their side. 
The only problem for the Sholei camp is that they lack the financial muscle the duo of Nyamweya and Mwendwa enjoys even though the group have public confidence over the embattled Mwendwa and his mentor, Nyamweya.
“We will support that candidate that will be the choice of the people,” he affirmed.

Petition to disband FKF a risky affair- Nyamweya

Posted on by editor

Football Kenya Federation presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya has urged stakeholders to withdraw petitions to disband the current office in favour of a caretaker committee until the new office is elected.

The veteran administrator states the move might put the country at loggerheads with the world football governing body Fifa.

Nyamweya says coming up with a parallel federation is not a viable option and has distanced himself from such a move.

The following is a signed statement by Nyamweya obtained by SPORTS AFRICA.

“My attention has been drawn to multiple petitions purportedly by football stakeholders agitating for different courses of action in the quest to achieve electoral and wholesome justice in respect of the holding of Football Kenya Federation elections that are long overdue.

“While this is a good move because petitions are a legitimate route to agitate for issues and get the attention of public authorities, it is imperative that the craft of the final document is done with utmost keenness so as to avoid projecting issues in a manner that offends the same laws that petitioners want to have adhered to.

“Accordingly, I wish to caution that some of the issues contained in the petitions are an affront to the course of justice as it is likely to put stakeholders on a collision path with the world football-governing body – Fifa – and the government of Kenya. Specifically, I point out that stakeholders must avoid petitions agitating for the following:-

“Advocacy for disbandment of the Football Kenya Federation or appointment of a caretaker committee in any other way apart from in the manner directed by the Sports Disputes Tribunal in its ruling of 17th March 2020. For the avoidance of the doubt, Section 54 of the Sports Act 2013 cannot be invoked without there being an inspection and as such the Cabinet Secretary for Sports lacks the locus to act in that respect and therefore the only best route for the current stalemate to be unlocked is through the route taken by the SDT (invoking Section 59 of the Sports Act 2013) in compliance to Fifa’s proposal for dialogue.

“We must be careful and resist the temptation to imagine that, at this point in time, registering a parallel federation is a viable option. I will never support any such move and I caution all well-meaning stakeholders to avoid that route.

“Further, I advise that the only petition that would earn legitimate support and the attention of the authorities, namely Fifa and the Government of Kenya must be fashioned to bring out the following:-

“That Stakeholders are committed to the total adherence to the Kenyan Constitution and Fifa Statutes in a manner that promotes the values enshrined in the law. In this regard, the petition seeking a collaboration between Fifa and the Government of Kenya to facilitate dialogue between the stakeholders with a view to holding free, fair and credible elections at the earliest opportunity is the most ideal one which will earn it’s commendation to the authorities.

“Let us be reminded that the SDT ruling of 17th March 2020 has cleared the way regarding very many of the issues and we must now be focused on getting to the end instead of going back to agitate the same issues whose contention is no longer an issue.

“Every action and step we take must be in compliance with the decision of the SDT and all other written law.”

There is sport, and there is HEAVY METAL SPORT. Sports Africa is all about the latter: a kick-ass sports website that says we know sport! We are Africa’s number one online sports community created by true fans.

As fans first, and journalists second, we know how sports content should be presented. So say goodbye to those bland sites and welcome to the true home of sports.

Visit us for the most compelling sporting content from Africa and around the world.

We are bold! We are loud!

LATEST POSTS

Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Free Slots

LET'S TALK

Contact us: For editorial enquiries and contributions.
editor@sportsnews.africa
For partnerships & advertisement.
partnerships@sportsnews.africa
© Copyright 2024 SPORTS AFRICA. All rights reserved