Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chief Executive Officer Robert Muthomi has stepped aside to pave way for investigations into the allegations that he assisted to transfer John Avire.
Pressure had mounted in the CEO to resign and explain the manner in which Avire was moved from 2009 champions Sofapaka to an Egypt club.
In his statement, Muthomi said his stepping aside was to protect his own integrity, and that he had utmost faith in the competence of the FKF judicial process.
“In view of the on-going debate and conversations in regards to the allegations made by Sofapaka on my purported involvement in the transfer of player John Avire, I have this morning requested the FKF president to allow me step aside for investigations to commence.
“While I have utmost faith in the independence and competence of the FKF judicial process as earlier stated, I realize that for my own integrity and that of the office of the FKF general secretary, as well as the greater football public a thoroughly credible process has to be undertaken.
“I am also convinced that this is the best course of action both for public confidence on myself and the institution that is FKF. I am cognizant of the fact that my continued execution of the role of General Secretary while this process is ongoing may be seen as an attempt to circumvent or influence the investigation process
“Nonetheless, I would like to reiterate that I have not resigned from my position as General Secretary and CEO of FKF, and that I believe at the end of the investigation I shall be vindicated and cleared of these malicious accusations. I look forward to resuming my duties in the near future,” the statement read in part.
Avire, who returned into the country from Africa Cup of Nations back in Egypt when Allan Wanga and Jesse Were were axed from the team.