The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) is expected to rule on Tuesday afternoon regarding a case brought by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential hopeful Tom Alila, who is seeking to suspend the upcoming elections. The former National Executive Committee Member representing the Nyanza region has expressed concerns about the electoral process and the composition of the Electoral Board, fearing that the playing field is not level ahead of the December 7 polls.
After launching his bid to succeed Nick Mwendwa a week ago, Alila submitted his nomination papers to the Electoral Board on Monday “under protest.” He stated, “We have presented our nomination papers but under protest because there are some very legitimate and weighty issues that we have raised which we want the Tribunal to determine. We want this process stopped until those issues are resolved.”
Alila pointed out specific concerns, saying, “We have issues with the eligibility of the electoral board who, according to FIFA and FKF statutes, must be members of FKF, and none of them is a member. We also have concerns about the period of the elections, which is three months, contrary to the FIFA guidelines that indicate a six-month timeframe.”
He added, “We also raised issues regarding the voter register and some omissions and additions, which we believe should be sorted out when the issue is dispensed with today at 2 PM.” Alila will have former referee and coach Beryl Adhiambo as his running mate.
In contrast, outgoing FKF boss Mwendwa, who plans to switch roles with his current deputy Doris Petra ahead of the anticipated polls, has criticized Alila for taking the matter to court, claiming it will derail the electoral process. “As you can see, the process of submitting credentials has been smooth, and everybody was served well. The electoral body did a great job, but the issue is with Tom Alila, who went to court to stop the elections.
“People have been going to court since March. Alila is one of the candidates who have submitted their papers, and he should allow the process to flow. I’m urging him to withdraw the case so that we can move on.”
