Former FKF CEO Barry Otieno has been kicked out of the federation’s official WhatsApp channel just days after stepping down from his role to vie for the presidential seat.
Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Barry Otieno has been ousted from the federation’s official WhatsApp media group, just weeks after stepping down from his role to run for the FKF presidency.
This removal, along with his communications officer Ian Munyumba, was confirmed on Monday evening by Pulse Sports, signaling further developments as Otieno pushes forward with his campaign.
Otieno resigned from his position as FKF CEO a week ago, followed by his formal declaration to contest for the FKF presidency. His abrupt removal from the media group was executed by the current FKF communications officer, Kenn Okaka. Munyumba, who left his role as the federation’s communications assistant officer in June, was also removed alongside Otieno.
Otieno, who has selected Lucy Kaiga as his running mate, originally joined FKF in 2016 under Nick Mwendwa’s administration as the communications manager.
His role expanded to include marketing responsibilities, and he was eventually promoted to CEO following Robert Muthomi’s sudden exit. Otieno’s tenure at the helm of FKF, however, has not been without controversy, as recent social media activity suggested underlying tensions during his leadership.
Shortly after Otieno announced his resignation, a tweet from the official Harambee Stars X (formerly Twitter) account surfaced, condemning the former CEO. The now-deleted post referred to Otieno as a “toxic bully” and a “top-notch liar,” reflecting frustrations from staff at Kandanda House.
The social media outburst indicated long-standing dissatisfaction within FKF, though it remained unaddressed until Otieno’s departure.
Despite the internal turbulence, Otieno remains focused on his presidential campaign. He outlined his vision in a recent statement, emphasising four key pillars for Kenyan football development: club empowerment, improved governance, holistic development, and elevating grassroots football to professional success.
“Our team believes in the immense potential of Kenyan football. With your support, we can turn that potential into reality. Together, we can build a federation that not only wins on the pitch but also excels in governance, development, and administration,” Otieno stated.
Otieno joins a crowded field of candidates seeking to replace Nick Mwendwa as FKF president.
The other notable contenders include former FKF National Executive Committee member Tom Alila, Murang’a Seal’s Hussein Mohammed, ex-international Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, Chris Amimo, Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla, and former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, as well as current vice president Dorris Petra.
As the election draws closer, all eyes are on Otieno and his ambitious plan for revitalizing Kenyan football both on and off the pitch.
