The Kenyan top-flight was scheduled to kick off on Monday, August 31st, but the kick-off suffered yet another blow after the Milimani High Court, before Lady Justice Janet Mulwa, declared that the orders stopping FKF leagues from commencing remain in force.
The orders completely stopped the FKF leagues until September 21st, when the case will be mentioned.
The dispute which has halted the commencement of the season stems from Kariobangi Sharks’ challenge against the Sports Disputes Tribunal decision that upheld FKF’s 2025 promotion and relegation rules, which resulted in Sharks being automatically relegated from the top-flight.
Sharks finished in the relegation zone with 38 points and were automatically relegated alongside Bidco United and Sofapaka.
Sharks were therefore penalised under FKF’s 2025 rules and regulations, which scrapped the traditional relegation play-off contest and forced the automatic drop of three teams.
According to the former Inter Milan midfielder, the delay in commencing the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season will hurt Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
‘Football is about competition’
“The delay in commencing the 2026/27 league season is particularly concerning given that Kenya, together with our East African partners, is preparing to host CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 next year,” said Mariga.
“We cannot afford to enter such an important period with our domestic football distracted by avoidable institutional disputes.
“Our clubs need certainty, our players need competitive football, our sponsors need confidence, and our national teams need a properly functioning football ecosystem.”
Mariga continued: “Recent court directions have provided important clarity on the application of the FKF 2019 Rules and Regulations in commencing the 2026/27 season, including the mandatory play-off which those rules require.
“This clarity should now provide an opportunity for all parties to step back, respect the decisions of the courts and, most importantly, work together towards an orderly and lawful resolution.”
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to co-host the 2027 AFCON edition from June 19th to July 17th.
This edition will be the first to be hosted by three countries, and the first in five decades to be organised in the CECAFA region, since it was hosted by Ethiopia in 1976.
Mariga went further to call for a truce between the affected parties while adding that proper dialogue can solve the current situation without going through the courts.
“Where disagreement exists, let us use the mechanisms provided by our constitution,” offered Mariga, who started his playing career at Ulinzi Stars before moving first to Tusker and then to defunct Kenya Pipeline while still at school.
“Where interpretation is required, let us consult the appropriate organs. We should not create avoidable disputes and litigation where dialogue and proper institutional process can resolve them.
“The FKF constitution is our common foundation. No individual, office, faction, or interest should place itself above it. Equally, every stakeholder must respect the legitimate constitutional mandate of FKF organs and the decision of the courts.”
Sharks protesting relegation
In their case, Sharks argued that changing the relegation structure mid-way or after procedural flaws, without General Assembly approval, is unfair.
Though the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) initially ruled in favour of the FKF, the High Court issued stay orders.
“The football season must return,” added Mariga. “Our players deserve to compete; our fans deserve football.
“And Kenyan football deserves governance that is stable, predictable and credible. I call upon all stakeholders to work together to restore confidence, certainty, and stability in Kenyan football.”
Mariga, who in 2010 became the first Kenyan footballer to play in and win the UEFA Champions League for Inter Milan, added: “As a former footballer and captain of the Harambee Stars, I am extremely saddened by the current state of affairs in Kenyan football and, in particular, the continued uncertainty surrounding the resumption of our leagues.
“Football is about competition, passion, opportunity and unity. It should bring us together, not keep us permanently divided in disputes over governance, interpretation of regulations and institutional authority.”
Mariga concluded: “We must ensure the administrative and governance structures necessary to run our competitions are properly constituted and functional.
“As we prepare to welcome Africa to Kenya for AFCON 2027, this is the time to demonstrate that Kenyan football can resolve its differences maturely and put the interests of the game above individual positions.”
The new season was planned to kick off on Saturday, August 29th, with nine matches lined up for matchday one. The season already kicked off the previous Sunday during the FKF Super Cup.
