Sam Nyamweya bows out from football administration
Former FKF President Sam Nyamweya (left) gives his views during the FKF Special Annual general meeting on February 10, 2016 at the Safaricom Stadium. Mr Nyamweya on Wednesday announced he was quitting management of the sport after two decades of service. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- In an elaborate speech during Football Kenya Federation Special General Meeting at Kasarani, Nyamweya explained to a hushed audience he had arrived at the decision in order to concentrate on family matters and private business.
- He called it quits before the FKF national polls was conducted on Wednesday meaning he was out of the race for the presidency.
- He was considered as one of the front runners for the seat.
Former Football Kenya Federation president Samson Nyamweya on Wednesday announced he was quitting management of the sport after two decades of service.
In an elaborate speech during Football Kenya Federation Special General Meeting at Kasarani, Nyamweya explained to a hushed audience he had arrived at the decision in order to concentrate on family matters and private business.
He called it quits before the FKF national polls was conducted on Wednesday meaning he was out of the race for the presidency.
He was considered as one of the front runners for the seat.
SMOOTH TRANSITON
While announcing his exit, Nyamweya borrowed a phrase from former Kenya vice president the late George Saitoti, who incidentally was one of his close political allies: “There comes a time to make critical decisions. That time, dear friends, has come and I have to make a call, a call to hand over active leadership of football and oversee a smooth transition.
“I have made this decision out of love for the game, the passion and appreciation that no good leader should be pushed to give up power and that, while I may still possess the energy and drive to lead FKF, there may be others with fresh vigour and charisma to take over,” Nyamweya read from a prepared speech.
However sources told Daily Nation Sport that Nyamweya had been “pushed” not to defend his seat during a meeting held by top politicians in Nairobi on Tuesday night.
WISE MOVE
Immediately after the announcement, Wario who had moments earlier declared in his speech that Kenyan football is in the “High Dependency Unit” termed Nyamweya’s decision a wise one.
“We thank him for everything and will support him in his future endeavours,” Wario said.
Kenyan Premier League CEO Jack Oguda also said: “Nyamweya helped us form an MoU to operate the league independently. We thank him for his service to Kenyan football.”
Nyamweya first entered national football management in 1996 as the secretary general of Kenya Football Federation.
He also had a short stint as Cecafa secretary general from December 1999 to May 2000.
