The High Court of Kenya in Kiambu has intervened in the escalating leadership dispute within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), issuing orders that temporarily halt the removal of an official at the centre of the row.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court granted conservatory orders restraining FKF and its National Executive Committee from suspending, removing, sidelining, or in any way interfering with the duties of Abdullahi Yusuf.
The court further directed that any actions already taken against him be suspended, restoring the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
The dispute arises from a National Executive Committee meeting held on April 24, 2026, which Yusuf claims was conducted irregularly and in violation of the constitution. Through Danstan Omari & Associates, Yusuf told the court he was neither notified of the meeting nor furnished with the agenda or supporting documents, including minutes and evidence relied upon to make the contested decisions.
He argued that the resolutions targeted his position and extended to the management of FKF finances, including changes to bank signatories linked to the federation’s leadership. According to his petition, the actions created uncertainty and destabilized operations within the football governing body.
Yusuf further alleges violations of constitutional rights, including the right to fair administrative action, the right to be heard, access to information, equality before the law, dignity, and fair labour practices. He maintains that the decisions were made in bad faith and amounted to condemnation without a hearing.
Speaking outside the Milimani Law Courts, lawyers Danstan Omari and Martina Swiga welcomed the ruling, terming it a reaffirmation of due process and the rule of law within sports governance.
Omari told the media that football institutions must operate within constitutional limits and cannot sideline officials through irregular procedures. Swiga said the orders were necessary to maintain stability within FKF as the court examines the legality of the impugned decisions.
In his petition, Yusuf is seeking orders to quash the April 24 resolutions, reinstate him fully to office, and declare the actions taken against him unconstitutional and unlawful under the Fair Administrative Action Act.
The court directed that all respondents be served by April 29, with responses to be filed by May 8,2026.
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs Creative Economy and Sports is among the parties expected to respond ahead of further directions on May 19,2026.
The case now proceeds to full hearing, in a legal battle that is expected to shape governance, leadership authority, and administrative accountability within Kenyan football.
