Gor Mahia Legend Bobby Ogolla Laments FKF Leadership Wrangles Amid Fresh Financial Claims
Football legend Bobby Ogolla has criticised ongoing FKF leadership wrangles, warning that persistent conflicts and financial controversies are undermining the growth and development of football in Kenya.
Hussein Mohammed (L) and McDonald Mariga during a campaign event under the tag Fresh Start in the run up the the 2024 FKF elections. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Former Kenyan international defender and football manager John Bobby Ogolla has voiced concern over the ongoing leadership conflicts within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), saying the disputes are hurting the development of football in the country.
FKF has recently been rocked by internal wrangles involving President Hussein Mohamed, his deputy MacDonald Mariga and several National Executive Committee members amid allegations surrounding the alleged loss of KSh43 million meant for CHAN insurance funds.
Speaking on the matter, Ogolla, popularly known as the “Six-Million-Dollar Man,” said football leadership in Kenya had increasingly become politicised.
“Football has turned into politics and it is very sad,” Ogolla said.
“When these leaders want to enter office they always come with very nice words and then once they enter leadership the intrigues begin,” he added.
The former Gor Mahia defender questioned recurring allegations of financial mismanagement in Kenyan football, noting that similar claims had emerged under previous administrations.
“Someone like Hussein Mohammed has supported the game of football for many years through Extreme Sports, so we are very surprised to start hearing allegations of lost money now,” Ogolla stated.
“Allegations of lost money have not started today; we heard them during the time of Sam Nyamweya and even Nick Mwendwa. Why should this money not be put into football to strengthen the game, even at grassroots level?” he posed.
Ogolla also expressed concern over the apparent lack of unity among football leaders, especially given Mariga’s background as a former international player.
“You wonder why they don’t just work together to develop football,” he said.
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