The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has issued a statement after fresh developments involving Macdonald Mariga led to the halt of the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Season 5.
In the statement dated May 5, 2026, FKF clarified its communication structure. It also addressed concerns over the spread of unverified information.
The federation pointed out who holds the mandate to speak on its behalf. This comes amid growing confusion over leadership roles and decisions.
“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wishes to remind the general public and all media stakeholders that, in accordance with the Federation’s statutes, the President serves as the official spokesperson of the Federation,” FKF stated.
Meanwhile, FKF urged caution as debate over the halted tournament continues. It called on both the media and the public to verify information before sharing it.
“The Federation therefore urges the media and the public to exercise due diligence and refrain from publishing, distributing, or relying on unverified information,” it added.
Also Read: FKF Moves to Block Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 5 Over Approval Dispute
Additionally, the federation outlined how it shares official communication. It stressed the need to follow proper channels at all times.
“All official communication is issued exclusively through the Office of the General Secretary and disseminated via FKF’s recognised official channels,” it stated.
Also Read: Court Blocks FKF from Removing Abdullahi Yusuf
The statement follows a move by a section of FKF’s National Executive Committee, led by Mariga, to stop the launch of Season 5. The group argued that the process did not meet constitutional requirements.
Specifically, the committee questioned the partnership between FKF and Safaricom PLC. It said the deal lacked proper approval. According to the members, all major agreements must go through the right structures before implementation.
At the same time, Chapa Dimba remains a key youth tournament in Kenya. Over the years, it has helped young players showcase talent and grow into professional football. The competition, backed by Safaricom, also supports talent identification across counties.
However, the ongoing dispute now puts Season 5 at risk. The internal wrangles within FKF continue to raise concerns among stakeholders. As a result, many now wait to see whether the federation will resolve the conflict and allow the tournament to proceed.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

FKF issued a statement on May 5, 2026, addressing the Chapa Dimba Season 5 suspension dispute involving Macdonald Mariga. PHOTO/ FKF