By David Ndolo
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga has accused the federation’s leadership of sidelining him, claiming he receives no salary and is forced to pay his own travel and accommodation expenses when supporting national teams.
The former Harambee Stars and Inter Milan midfielder has opened up about growing tensions within FKF, revealing what he describes as a difficult working relationship that has left him funding his own trips to support Kenya’s national football teams.
Mariga said he receives no payment from the federation and that members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) also serve without salaries.
“I’ve never been employed anywhere. What I know until now is football. I don’t get salary from the Federation. I’m not paid. NEC members are not paid. We are not paid. I don’t get anything from the Federation. So if I pay my money, I go to support the team. That’s the passion we have,” Mariga said.
His remarks have brought renewed attention to tensions within the federation’s leadership, with his grievances pointing to disagreements over his treatment and the support provided to him in his capacity as vice president.
Mariga Reveals Personal Spending on National Teams
Mariga recounted travelling to Tanzania to support the men’s Under-23 national team, the Emerging Stars, during their Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 qualifiers.
He said he paid for his own air ticket and accommodation because the federation would not meet the expenses.
“I was in Tanzania the other day, and I paid for my ticket. Nowadays I pay for my ticket to go and support our teams. I paid for my ticket; I paid for my accommodations to support our team because they know the Federation doesn’t want to pay for my accommodation; they don’t want to pay for my air tickets,” he said.
Mariga added that his commitment to Kenyan football had compelled him to continue supporting the national teams despite the financial burden.
“So because of passion, love of football, I pay for myself, and I go to support the teams,” he said.
His account suggests that the disagreements extend beyond administrative differences, raising questions about the working relationship between the federation’s top officials and the support available to its vice president.
Under-17 Women’s Team Trip Raises More Questions
The vice president also recounted an incident during a trip to support Kenya’s Under-17 women’s team in a match against Uganda.
Mariga said he encountered difficulties over accommodation at the team’s hotel and was informed that he would have to pay for his own stay.
“I was there in under-23. I went to support the under-17 women when they played against Uganda. And I was told, no, you can’t stay in this hotel because if you want to stay here, you have to pay for yourself,” he said.
He maintained that he would continue supporting the teams despite what he considers efforts to sideline him.
“So I’ll continue paying for myself. I’ll continue to support the team even if I’m sidelined because my passion is football,” Mariga added.
The allegations paint a picture of strained relations within FKF’s leadership, although the remarks alone do not establish the reasons behind the reported accommodation and travel arrangements.
Leadership Tensions Raise Concerns for Kenyan Football
The reported differences between Mariga and FKF President Hussein Mohammed come at a critical time for Kenyan football, with the country preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
A stable working relationship within the federation’s leadership will be important as preparations continue for the continental tournament and efforts to strengthen domestic football.
The federation also faces the task of sustaining partnerships with commercial sponsors and supporting national teams across different competitions.
Mariga’s claims raise questions about coordination within the executive leadership and how internal disagreements could affect the federation’s operations.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed has separately raised concerns about what he described as a paralysed National Executive Committee, pointing to wider challenges within the federation’s leadership structure.
However, the specific circumstances surrounding Mariga’s claims, including the travel and accommodation arrangements and the federation’s position on the allegations, remain unclear from his account.
The federation’s response will be important in clarifying the nature of the disagreements and whether measures are being taken to address the concerns.
For now, Mariga has maintained that his commitment to Kenyan football remains unchanged, insisting that he will continue supporting the national teams even when he has to meet the costs personally.
