Drama, teargas as FKF Special General Meeting erupts into chaos in Meru

The SGM was scheduled to start at 9:00 am on Saturday, but proceedings had not commenced amid a tense standoff at the hotel.

Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officers were forced to move into the premises as security personnel sought to clear individuals who had reportedly taken over parts of the hotel and allow accredited delegates to access the meeting venue.

Current media reports indicate that hundreds of youths had gathered at the hotel before the security operation began.

Teargas has reportedly been used at the main entrance as police attempted to disperse the crowd and secure access to the venue.

There are also reports that some individuals were occupying different rooms within the hotel, with security officers moving to remove them from the premises.

The situation has left some delegates struggling to gain access to the meeting, raising concerns over whether all duly accredited members will be able to participate in the constitutional gathering.

A video shared online shows a dramatic scene as FKF Vice President Mcdonald Mariga arrives at the venue in a police van. As the vehicle stops, a man dressed in a blue suit attempts to confront him before heavily-armed police officers swoop in, chase him off and escort Mariga into the building.

The developments come a day after a physical confrontation was reported in Meru involving an FKF National Executive Committee member and two branch chairmen.

The two chairmen had reportedly visited the venue to assess preparations for the SGM when they were confronted by a group said to have been brought from Nairobi. The incident reportedly turned physical, with several people sustaining injuries.

Saturday's confrontation has now cast uncertainty over the start of the SGM, which is expected to determine the fate of several members of the FKF NEC amid the federation's long-running leadership dispute.

The SGM is expected to consider the conduct of seven NEC members, including FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga, against the backdrop of the prolonged dispute between Mariga and FKF President Hussein Mohammed.

A two-thirds majority of delegates present would be required to remove an NEC member.