Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has thrown his support behind Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga’s candidacy in the upcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections, expressing confidence that the duo will revive Kenyan football to its former glory. Wanyama made these remarks via a live video during Mariga’s unveiling at the Kempinski Hotel, where he is running as Mohammed’s deputy.
The Montreal Impact midfielder emphasized that his endorsement of Hussein is rooted in the need for change within the federation. “I’m here to support the candidacy of Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga. Mariga is a former professional footballer who has won many accolades, including the Champions League and Serie A. He has great exposure and will replicate that success if elected,” Wanyama stated.
Hussein Mohammed, CEO of Extreme Sports, which has helped many footballers transition to professional careers through the Super 8 tournament, noted that his choice of Mariga was driven by their shared ambition to restore Kenyan football. “In the quest to restore Kenya’s football glory, I reflected on the struggles we have faced and the heights we have yet to scale. Mariga matches my ambition, which is why I chose him,” he said.
The Wanyama brothers are considered two of the most decorated Kenyan footballers, having played for Tottenham Hotspur and Italian giants Inter Milan, respectively. They have previously sponsored local tournaments and established a football academy in Busia, modeled after European structures.
Endorsements for Hussein and Mariga’s candidacy also came from Wanyama’s former Tottenham teammate Moussa Sissoko and ex-South African international Benni McCarthy. “Former footballers deserve to run the game in Africa to ensure development in structures and improvement of the game to the highest levels,” McCarthy remarked.
The Wanyama family is known for its football legacy, led by their father, Noah Wanyama, who played for Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards in the 1980s. Their brothers, Thomas and Sylvester Wanyama, also played for Sofapaka and Sony Sugar, respectively, in the Kenyan Premier League.
During the unveiling, Mariga pledged to enhance player welfare and financial support to ensure that athletes are comfortable under the “Fresh Start” initiative. “To develop football, we must engage all stakeholders, including sponsors. Our league needs proper backing to grow,” he stated. “Making it as a footballer in Kenya is tough due to poor management. In the past, there were scholarships and opportunities that are now lacking. We need to restore that.”
Additional endorsements for Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga’s candidacy have come from several prominent figures, including former Kenyan international Innocent Mutiso, AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda, Kibera MP Hon. Peter Orero, and Kenyan international Essie Akida, among others.
In addition to Mohammed and Mariga, the race features immediate former FKF CEO Barry Otieno, FKF Vice President Doris Petra, former FKF Chairman Sam Nyamweya, former KPL CEO Jack Oguda, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas “Toto” Shumanyula, and Gor Mahia CEO Sam Ocholla.
Other candidates vying to replace incumbent Nick Mwendwa include former Kenyan international Sammy “Kempes” Owino, Tom Alila, and Lodvick Aduda.
The FKF electoral board has announced that the final list of candidates for both county and national positions will be published on November 2, with the presidential vote set for December 7.
