FKF presidential candidate Hussein Mohamed has selected former Harambee Stars captain McDonald Mariga as his running mate for the upcoming Football Kenya Federation elections on December 7. During the announcement at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Hussein highlighted their shared vision to restore the glory of Kenyan football as the key reason for choosing Mariga.
“In our quest to revive Kenyan football, I reflected on our past challenges and the goals we are yet to achieve. I needed someone whose passion matched mine, and that’s why I chose Mariga,” Hussein stated.
The decision was met with praise, including a video endorsement from Mariga’s former Inter Milan teammate Moussa Sissoko. Sissoko praised Mariga's deep understanding of the game, saying, “Mariga has played at the highest level and knows exactly what’s needed to push Kenyan football forward.”
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Victor Wanyama, Mariga’s brother and CF Montréal midfielder, echoed this sentiment, noting Mariga’s professionalism. “Mariga brings the kind of professionalism our football desperately needs. He knows how to bring real change,” Wanyama said.
Mariga expressed his disappointment with the lack of former players in FKF leadership roles, stressing that their experience is crucial to the game's development. “It’s unfortunate that former players are not part of the federation’s leadership. They are essential to shaping the future of football,” Mariga remarked.
Running under the slogan "A Fresh Start," the pair promises a new beginning for Kenyan football. Mariga emphasized the poor treatment of local players, many of whom go unpaid for months, and vowed to address this under their leadership. “Players in Kenya face unfair conditions, often going unpaid for months. We will ensure they are well compensated and treated with dignity,” Mariga pledged.
Reflecting on Kenya’s footballing history, Mariga called for a return to the days when scholarships and opportunities abroad were accessible to local players. “Making it as a footballer in Kenya is tough due to poor management. We need to bring back the opportunities that once existed,” he noted.
He also outlined the need to raise Kenyan football to international standards, aiming to see more players break into Europe’s top leagues. “We need to restore the days when scouts came looking for Kenyan talent. Currently, they focus on West Africa, and that has to change,” Mariga added.
Mariga and Hussein's vision also includes collaboration with all stakeholders, particularly sponsors, to drive football development. Mariga emphasized the importance of integrity, promising accountability and transparency if elected. “Sponsorships won’t matter if there’s corruption. We will ensure integrity in the federation,” he assured.
Their agenda includes a strong focus on women's football, which Mariga believes has immense untapped potential. “Women’s football is growing, but it lacks support. We will develop proper programs to nurture this promising sector,” Mariga concluded.
