The ongoing FKF Division One League has been plunged into fresh uncertainty after the High Court certified as urgent a petition seeking to stop the competition, raising serious questions about the procedures followed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) before the league kicked off

The case, filed by petitioner Edwin Shamalah, challenges the legality of conducting the Division One League across four zones under the 2025 regulations. He argues that the current arrangement contradicts the FKF Constitution, which provides for a National Division One League structured around two zones.

The development presents another legal challenge for the federation, with the dispute potentially affecting clubs already participating in the competition and the wider structure of football leagues in the country.

In her directions, Lady Justice Mong’are ordered that the application be served on the relevant parties, who have been given five days to file their responses. The matter is scheduled to be mentioned on November 17, 2026, when the court will consider the next steps in handling the dispute.

One of the major concerns raised by Shamalah is the alleged failure by FKF to obtain approval from its National Executive Committee (NEC) before introducing the league. He questions both the decision on when the competition should begin and the regulations adopted to govern its operations.

According to the petitioner, the federation cannot proceed with such significant changes without following the approval procedures required under its governing constitution.

The application also brings into focus the unresolved dispute surrounding promotion and relegation between the National Super League (NSL) and other divisions. Shamalah argues that commencing the Division One League before the court determines the NSL dispute was premature.

He maintains that proceeding with the competition while questions surrounding the league structure and the status of affected clubs remain unresolved could undermine the legality and credibility of the entire process.

To strengthen his case, the petitioner has referred to previous directions issued by the Murang’a court concerning the application of the 2019 regulations. He has also cited an earlier High Court order that suspended the implementation of the 2025 rules.

These arguments have placed the federation’s decision-making process under renewed legal scrutiny, particularly regarding the regulations governing the country’s football competitions.

In another significant development, Lady Justice Mong’are directed that the application be placed before the same court handling the Darajani Gogo National Super League dispute.

The decision follows similarities between the two cases, especially regarding the rules governing league structures, promotion and relegation, and the administration of football competitions.

However, the court has not yet issued a final order stopping the Division One League. The current decision only grants the application urgent consideration and requires the concerned parties to respond to the allegations.

The November 17 mention date will therefore be crucial in determining how the legal challenge progresses and what further directions the court may issue.

For FKF, the latest development adds another layer of pressure as it faces questions over the administration of domestic football. Clubs and other stakeholders will now be watching closely to see whether the competition will continue under the current arrangement or face further legal hurdles.