Senate warns FKF President Nick Mwendwa over delay tactics
The Kenyan Senate’s Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare has warned the Football Kenya Federation’s President Nick Mwendwa of delay tactics in answering to charges of mismanaging football in the country.
In a letter from the Clerk of the Senate, Mr J.M, Nyegenye, Mr Mwendwa was told off for causing unnecessary delays in concluding the petition brought against him after asking for postponement of an initial meeting in which he and five others who could support him were to appear before the Standing Committee.
“Although you requested for postponement of the meeting, you are yet to submit a progress report to the issues raised in the petition as requested by the Committee. Your failure to appear at meetings of the Committee is causing unnecessary delays in concluding the Petition. The committee resolved to send you a final invitation to report on the progress made,” said Mr Nyegenye.
Mr Mwendwa was then directed to appear before the Committee on November 30, 2023, at 11:30am at the Impala Conference Room at the Kenyatta International Convention Center, accompanied by 5 other persons he deems necessary to assist him in answering questions directed to him.
Earlier, Mr Mwendwa had asked the Clerk to postpone the November 14, 2023, meeting he was to initially appear in, saying he had a scheduling conflict that would make unable to answer the Standing Committee’s questions.
“Regrettably, we wish to inform you that the federation faces a scheduling conflict, as
both the Kenya Men’s and Women’s national teams are actively participating in their World
Cup qualifiers from November 11, 2023, to November 22, 2023. Understanding the significance of the national teams’ engagements and the issues at hand, we kindly request the Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare to consider rescheduling the meeting to a more suitable date.
Specifically, we propose holding the meeting between November 24, 2023, and November 25, 2023. We believe that rescheduling the meeting to a later date will not only ensure the active
participation of the Football Kenya Federation but also allow for a more comprehensive and
focused engagement. We appreciate your consideration of this request and assure you of our commitment to engaging in a meaningful dialogue on the matters raised,” said Mr Mwendwa on November 11, 2023.
Mr Mwendwa stands accused of mismanaging football and all resources attached to the Federation.
According to prior Nairobi News reports, Mr Mwendwa had been on the spot for financial misappropriation of FKF funds for years. He faced arrests and disbandment of the FKF to pave the way for a caretaker committee in 2021 onwards. However, earlier this year, he was acquitted of 44 accusations in which it was alleged he misappropriated Sh 38 million marked for the development of football in the country.
This is the third time in three months he is being summoned by the Senate Committee.