Court backs Balala

A Kenyan High Court has dismissed a case against Najib Balala

A Kenyan High Court judge has thrown out a suit filed by the disbanded Kenya Football Federation (KFF) against the Sports Minister Najib Balala.

The KFF was asking for Balala to be jailed for six months for contempt of court.

The KFF officials, three of whom are currently facing corruption charges, sued the minister for interfering in their affairs and breaking the law by appointing a transitional committee while they were legally in office.

But Justice Isaac Lenaola ruled that Balala acted within his jurisdiction when appointing the committee on March 25, after the KFF four-year term of office had already expired.

The High Court decision is seen a blow to the ousted officials, who were arrested on Thursday and are set to face corruption charges.

Police released on bail three former KFF officials on Friday.

Chairman Maina Kariuki, treasurer Mohammed Hatimy and secretary general Hussein Swaleh are all due to appear in court on Monday.

The ongoing row between the government and the disbanded KFF centres around the corruption allegations and has lead to Fifa imposing an indefinite ban on Kenya and its clubs from international competition.