Mariga raises alarm over state of Kenyan football as FKF League standoff deepens
By Luke Oluoch, August 31, 2026Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice Chairman McDonald Mariga has expressed his deep concerns over the state of affairs of the country’s top-flight football amid a deepening standoff that has seen the league kick-off postponed.
The exact date for the commencement of the league remains in limbo after the revised date of Monday, August 31, 2026, kick-off was pushed back just days after confirmation from the federation.
The 2026/27 Football Kenya Federation Premier League campaign was initially set to get underway Saturday, August 29, 2026, to Sunday, August 30, 2026, with all 18 clubs scheduled to be in action during the opening weekend.
In view of the postponement, the Harambee Stars legend decried the latest delay as disputes that can be avoided, via a statement released on his X page on Monday, August 31, 2026, describing it as particularly concerning.
Delays
“The delay in commencing the 2026/27 league season is particularly concerning given that Kenya, together with our East African partners, is preparing to host the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 next year,” Mariga stated.
“We cannot afford to enter such an important period with our domestic football distracted by avoidable institutional disputes. Our clubs need certainty, our players need competitive football, our sponsors need confidence, and our national teams need a properly functioning football ecosystem.”
Addressing his personal concerns, the former Inter Milan midfielder also shared that he is perturbed by the prevailing situation.
“As a former footballer and captain of the Harambee Stars, I am extremely saddened by the current state of affairs in Kenyan football and, in particular, the continued uncertainty surrounding the resumption of our leagues.”
Wading into the governance disputes that have beset the start of the top-tier league, Mariga challenged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the FKF Constitution and court directives.
“Recent court directions have provided important clarity on the application of the FKF 2019 Rules and Regulations in commencing the 2026/27 season, including the mandatory play-off which those rules require. This clarity should now provide an opportunity for all parties to step back, respect the decisions of the courts and, most importantly, work together towards an orderly and lawful resolution. The issue before us should not be about who wins and who loses. Kenyan football must win,” he asserted.
In a direct call to action, the football icon urged decision-makers to prioritise collective welfare over personal interests.
“Football is about competition, passion, opportunity, and unity. It should bring us together, not keep us permanently divided in disputes over governance.. I therefore appeal to all stakeholders, including the FKF leadership, NEC, clubs, leagues, players, officials, and other football institutions to choose the most constructive route available: dialogue, consultation, and strict adherence to the FKF Constitution and applicable regulations.”
He added: “The league should not merely kick off; it must kick off on a clear, lawful, and administratively sound footing. Clubs invest significant resources in preparing for a season and deserve certainty regarding the competition calendar.”
Compromise?
Mariga’s statement comes despite earlier indications that the league would kick off on August 31, 2026. FKF President Hussein Mohammed had previously welcomed a compromise, taking to social media to usher in the return of the domestic top flight.
However, FKF Premier League clubs reportedly resolved to boycott the proposed kick-off date, demanding wider consultations, absolute clarity on league governance, and finalized competition rules before taking to the pitch.