The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) has hit a major roadblock as the High Court has upheld the decision to suspend the meeting.
The AGM, crucial for approving the contentious 2020 FKF Electoral Code and the Electoral Board, is now in limbo, disrupting the electoral timeline and potentially delaying FKF elections slated for October.
Justice Olga Sewe, overseeing the case in Mombasa, granted the suspension following a petition by sports journalist Milton Nyakundi, who challenged the legality of the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) members' authority to convene the AGM.
"I am convinced that the application is valid and hereby approved," stated Justice Sewe, as reported by Nation.
The crux of the matter stems from a ruling by the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) last July, which upheld the removal of FKF NEC members, casting doubts on their legitimacy to conduct federation affairs.
Nyakundi contended that since the SDT's ruling remains unchallenged, any attempt by these officials to call for an AGM is illegal and void.
"It is unlawful for individuals under legal scrutiny regarding their roles as FKF officials to organize an AGM," Nyakundi argued.
In response, FKF, represented by Senior Counsel Erick Mutua, sought permission to appeal the AGM's suspension, a request granted by Justice Sewe, permitting FKF to contest the decision at the Court of Appeal.
However, the initial temporary suspension, issued before Thursday's ruling, had already postponed the AGM initially slated for March 16.
This legal standoff occurs against the backdrop of FIFA's stern warning to Kenya, threatening suspension from all football activities due to government intervention, a move FIFA employs to safeguard member associations from external influence.
FIFA's warning was prompted by the High Court's involvement, exacerbating the turmoil in Kenyan football governance and jeopardizing the nation's standing in the global football community.
The legal deadlock and FIFA's warning underscore a significant clash between domestic legal proceedings and international football governance regulations.
A potential FIFA suspension would not only impact Kenya's international participation but also its development initiatives, financial support, and FIFA membership privileges, casting a shadow over the future of Kenyan football.
As the case awaits mention on April 24, stakeholders in Kenyan football are left uncertain, with the crucial AGM process potentially needing to restart depending on the legal outcome.