FKF’s Split Leadership Casts Shadow Over Kenya’s AFCON 2027 Hosting Role

Kenya is supposed to be preparing for the biggest football tournament in its history. Instead, its federation is fighting itself in court.

The Local Organising Committee for AFCON 2027 — responsible for Kenya’s hosting duties — is now a reflection of the federation’s split. Sports CS Salim Mvurya restructured it to include representatives from both the Mohammed and Mariga factions. Both sides in the same room, working on the same project, while simultaneously litigating against each other.

It is not a situation built for speed or clarity.

AFCON 2027 opens June 19 next year. Stadiums need to be completed. Training grounds need to be certified. Commercial deals need to be signed. Every week the FKF leadership battle continues is a week that isn’t being spent on those things.

Motsepe’s visit this week is a signal. CAF is paying attention. And if Kenya can’t resolve this internally, external pressure will eventually force the issue.