Corruption blights Kenya's quest for football glory

"We will make sure that everything is functioning right from the grassroots," Mwendwa said after his election, vowing to make Kenya a "great football nation".

Sports Minister Amina Mohamed spoke of an "extended deterioration in the state of football management in Kenya" as she accused the FKF of failing to account for millions of dollars from the government and sponsors.

But former FKF secretary general Lordvick Aduda said the current state of affairs was no surprise as there has been a "systematic drain" of leadership at the football governing body.

Mwendwa was first elected FKF head in 2016 after campaigning on an ambitious "team change" agenda, pledging a series of swift and sweeping actions to address the challenges he inherited.

Earlier this year, Mwendwa was put on the spot over his decision to buy a 24-carat gold-plated trophy worth more than $50,000 for the premier league champions -- while the team that won the women's league pocketed a paltry 300,000 Kenyan shillings (less than $2,700).

The game was plunged into further turmoil this month when the government disbanded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for alleged embezzlement of public funds, and appointed a caretaker committee headed by a retired judge to run its affairs.

"The state of football in Kenya is not encouraging," lamented Bob Oyugi, a former coach with Kenya's most successful club Gor Mahia,.

Poor management, cancelled sponsorship deals, ageing players and a revolving door of coaches -- seven since 2016 -- have been blamed for their uninspiring performances..

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