Meru, Kenya – Saturday, November 7, 2026
The Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) Special General Meeting (SGM) descended into chaos on Saturday morning after officers from the Police Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) discharged teargas inside the meeting room at Three Steers Hotel in Meru, where delegates had already taken their seats and were awaiting the start of proceedings.
The SGM, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m., had not formally opened when the incident occurred. According to an official statement from the federation, RDU officers moved into the venue and released teargas in the room, forcing attendees to scramble for safety and bringing the gathering to a halt before it could commence.
“The FKF Special General Meeting (SGM) is yet to commence following an incident in which officers from the Police Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) moved into the meeting venue and discharged teargas into the meeting room, where delegates were seated awaiting the start of proceedings,” the federation said. It described the action as interference with a constitutional process convened by members of the FKF General Assembly under the FKF Constitution and expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the RDU operation. Further updates were promised.
The disruption unfolded amid heightened tensions linked to a prolonged leadership dispute between FKF President Hussein Mohammed and Vice President McDonald Mariga. Mariga arrived at the hotel under heavy RDU escort in a police vehicle. Reports indicate that officers accompanying him entered the meeting room, after which teargas was discharged. Outside the hotel, additional canisters were fired to disperse crowds, with smoking canisters later seen in the compound.
Media reports and footage circulating online showed chaotic scenes, including delegates fleeing and confrontations at the premises. Mariga alleged that delegates allied to him had been pelted with stones and prevented from accessing the venue by groups of youths, some of whom had reportedly occupied hotel rooms. He was heard urging RDU officers to assist those still outside. Other accounts described the RDU operation as an attempt to clear unauthorised individuals and restore order so accredited delegates could enter.
The SGM had been called to deliberate on resolutions passed by members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on April 24, 2026, and to consider the conduct of seven NEC members, including Mariga. The officials under scrutiny also include Women Representative Kerubo Momanyi, Coast NEC Member Gabriel Mghendi, Nairobi NEC Member Dan Shikanda, Nyanza NEC Member Collins Opiyo Kalee, Central NEC Member Robert Macharia, and Upper Rift Valley NEC Member Bernard Lagat. Removal of an NEC member requires a two-thirds majority of delegates present. International observers from FIFA and CAF, along with government representatives, had been expected to attend.
The meeting takes place against the backdrop of earlier disputes, including attempts by a faction of the NEC to suspend Mohammed and others over a financial transaction linked to the 2024 African Nations Championship—moves that were blocked by the Sports Disputes Tribunal and rejected by FIFA for not following constitutional procedures.
As of the latest reports, the SGM has not commenced, and the full implications of the disruption for Kenyan football governance remain unclear. FKF has said it will provide further updates as the situation develops.