The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has suspended its Executive Director, Auka John Gecheo, in a move that underscores rising scrutiny of leadership and governance within the regional football body.
The decision was taken on September 18, 2025, during a virtual Executive Committee meeting chaired by Acting President Alexandre Muyenge.
CECAFA later confirmed the resolution in a press release, noting that the suspension was the outcome of consultations involving presidents of member associations.
Representatives from seven countries; Burundi, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and Somalia,took part in the consultative meeting that preceded the Executive Committee’s action.
The statement emphasized that the suspension was aimed at safeguarding transparency and accountability as CECAFA navigates its next chapter.
While the exact reasons for Gecheo’s suspension remain unclear, the Executive Committee assured stakeholders that more information will be shared in the coming weeks. This lack of clarity has fueled speculation across the region, particularly about the circumstances surrounding his removal and the potential impact on upcoming CECAFA tournaments and projects.
Gecheo, a Kenyan sports administrator, has played a central role in CECAFA’s activities since taking on the role of Executive Director.
He was instrumental in organizing competitions and fostering partnerships across East and Central Africa, making his suspension a significant development for the regional football landscape.
Questions now linger over the organization’s next steps. Reports suggest that another Kenyan could be in line to succeed him, though CECAFA has not made any official announcement regarding interim or permanent leadership.
For now, the football fraternity across the region will be watching closely as CECAFA balances the twin demands of continuity in its operations and the need to reassure stakeholders about its governance.
The suspension comes at a time when CECAFA is expected to strengthen its role in developing football talent and competitions in East and Central Africa, making the leadership shake-up both high-stakes and highly consequential.
