Kenya’s High Court Allows Caretaker Team to Continue Running Football

The Football Kenya Federation Caretaker Committee, constituted by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, has been granted permission to continue its work by the High Court.

On Tuesday, Justice Hedwig Ong’undi rejected to prevent the Justice (retired) Aaron Ringera-led interim committee from carrying out its duty until the outcome of a complaint brought by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

FKF has disputed the committee’s legitimacy, claiming it is an illegitimate organization that is not recognized by Fifa, the international football regulatory body.

Eric Mutua, Charles Njenga, Silvia Matasi, and Victor Omwembu, attorneys for the FKF, had petitioned Justice Ong’udi to enable the Nick Mwendwa-led FKF to manage football affairs in the nation.

Mutua claimed in court that the 15-member committee, which includes Justice Ringera, Moses Oyugi (vice-chairman), Fatma Adan, Michael Muchemi (secretary), and Linda Ogutu (head of the secretariat), is unlawfully handling local football issues.

According to the court, the FKF is the only organization authorized by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and FIFA to administer football operations in the nation.

The Sports CS and Sports Registrar Rose Wasike, on the other hand, supported the establishment of the caretaker committee, claiming that they are required by law to interfere anytime football mismanagement occurs.

When the issue was practically placed before Justice Ongudi for directions on Tuesday, she rejected to offer any temporary relief and ordered the status quo to continue until the matter is resolved.

This implies that the Ringera-led committee will continue to function.

“After reviewing the application for conservatory orders and the main petition, I discovered that they both raise the identical concerns and reasons that need to be addressed in the main hearing,” Justice Ong’udi stated.

The court then issued an order requiring all parties to provide written responses within 14 days.

She ordered that the matter be heard on January 17, 2022, to set a date for the final judgment.

Ms. Mohamed and the Registrar are being represented by Thande Kuria, a state attorney.

FKF has listed as respondents the CS Sports (Mohamed), the Registrar Sports, the Caretaker Committee, and the Attorney General.

Ms. Mohamed dismissed the FKF committee on November 11, 2021, and appointed the Ringera Committee in its place.

A day after FKF President Nick Mwendwa was arrested for suspected football money theft.

Mwendwa has subsequently delegated his responsibilities to FKF vice president Doris Petra.

This followed his arraignment in court on four charges of corruption involving Sh38 million.

Mwendwa was freed on Sh10 million cash bail. The case will be cited for pre-trial directives on December 20, 2021.