Leading gaming firm and FKF Premier League title sponsor SportPesa has officially waded into the brewing leadership crisis at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
In a strongly-worded statement released on Monday, April 27 following Gor Mahia’s 1-0 win over AFC Leopards in the 99th Mashemeji Derby, the gaming giant reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Kenyan football but called for “due process” following the controversial attempted ouster of FKF President Hussein Mohammed.
The Governance Row
The statement comes just days after a dramatic split within the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC).
On Friday, nine of the fourteen NEC members voted to provisionally suspend President Hussein Mohammed over allegations of financial impropriety—specifically a Ksh 42 million scandal linked to the CHAN 2025 tournament funds.
The committee moved to install Vice President Macdonald Mariga as the acting head, a move Hussein Mohammed has since dismissed as “unprocedural” and “fictitious.”
As the title sponsors of the SportPesa Premier League under a massive 10-year partnership, the firm emphasized that while they are invested in the sport’s growth, they will not overlook governance issues.
“With respect to the allegations currently under review, SportPesa’s position is that all such matters must be subjected to a thorough, independent investigation in line with due process. Including any change of leadership at FKF,” the statement read.
Full SportPesa Statement
As title sponsors of the SportPesa League, and partners in a 10-year deal, our primary interest remains the continued growth, stability, and integrity of the game alongside the wider sports ecosystem in which we have invested.
We wish to acknowledge the meaningful progress achieved by Kenyan football in recent years under the leadership of President Hussein Mohammed. This includes Kenya’s successful co-hosting of CHAN 2025, the Junior Starlets’ historic first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification, the Harambee Starlets’ qualification for WAFCON 2026, and Kenya’s hosting of the FIFA Women’s Series, among other milestones.
Our domestic league has also seen renewed momentum, with improved organization of the top flight, increased visibility for clubs and players, and stronger engagement with commercial partners.
We have also observed encouraging efforts toward rebuilding trust in football governance, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders, and strengthening national team structures.
These gains are contributing to a more vibrant football ecosystem that benefits players, fans, and the broader sports economy.
With respect to the allegations currently under review, SportPesa’s position is that all such matters must be subjected to a thorough, independent investigation in line with due process. Including any change of leadership at FKF.
We call for a swift, transparent, and fair resolution that upholds accountability while safeguarding the integrity and progress of Kenyan football, for the sake of the players, clubs, and fans who remain at the heart of the game.
SportPesa remains a committed, long-term partner to Kenyan football and the broader sports ecosystem. We will continue to support initiatives that strengthen the game, deepen its commercial viability, and unlock opportunities for Kenyan talent, while standing for integrity, accountability, and sustainable growth across the sport.
