Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has broken his silence amid mounting claims of alleged misuse of funds tied to preparations for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament Kenya is set to co-host.
In a strongly worded public statement posted on Thursday, April 23, Mohammed said the accusations against him were part of a deliberate and malicious campaign by individuals opposed to reforms within the federation.
He insisted the allegations were fabricated to destroy his reputation after he began what he described as a cleanup of football administration in Kenya.
“Once I started the process of cleaning house, it was inevitable that corruption would fight back. Through such a malicious campaign, a lifetime of sacrifice, dedication, and investment to help develop our social fabric through sports can go up in smoke, just like that,” read part of the statement by Hussein Mohammed.
The FKF president stated that reputational damage can be permanent if lies are allowed to spread unchecked.
He announced that he would soon issue a comprehensive response to what he termed “heinous fabricated allegations,” saying he was fully aware of what he called the broader propaganda plans being deployed against him.
“Reputation ruined forever. I shall not allow it. In this regard, I shall be issuing a comprehensive response to these heinous, fabricated allegations and all other planned propaganda. We know all their plans,” Hussein stated.
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over specific CHAN-related transactions that have already been documented in media reports and court filings.
Reports have raised questions over a Ksh42 million payment for tournament insurance services, made in August 2025, which investigators say went to a firm that was newly incorporated and not licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority at the time.
The transaction has since been referenced in petitions lodged with oversight bodies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Separate from the insurance issue, CHAN preparations have also come under focus following stadium-related contracts valued in the hundreds of millions of shillings.
One such dispute is now before the court, with the EACC pursuing a civil case seeking to recover about Ksh330 million linked to a CHAN stadium project.
While no criminal charges have been announced against Mohammed, the figures involved have intensified public and political interest.
Mohammed did not address the specific amounts or contracts in his initial statement.
Instead, he maintained that all decisions under his leadership were lawful and aimed at strengthening governance at the Football Kenya Federation.
He said the timing of the allegations was not accidental and coincided with efforts to overhaul internal systems and procurement processes.
Kenya will host the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2027 as part of a joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania, continuing the three countries’ collaboration under the East African “Pamoja” framework.
The tournament, which features national teams made up of players competing in their domestic leagues, is expected to boost local football and infrastructure development.
For Kenya, hosting CHAN is seen as a major opportunity to showcase its readiness for continental tournaments ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
The government and football authorities have earmarked key venues, including Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, for upgrades to meet Confederation of African Football requirements.
Officials say the event will stimulate the economy through tourism, job creation, and improved sporting facilities, while giving local players international exposure.
However, preparations are under close public scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability in spending.
Organizers say they remain confident Kenya will deliver a successful tournament alongside its regional partners.
