Friendly victories for the Harambee Stars over Malawi and Zimbabwe last month were overshadowed by a court order suspending the FKF’s annual general meeting.
Initially scheduled for 16 March, the meeting was expected to address various issues affecting the running of the game and clear the way for elections for the FKF’s executive committee.
However, it was halted by the High Court in Mombasa following an application by journalist Milton Nyakundi, who challenged the legality of holding the AGM and the eligibility of some election candidates.
And on 27 March, world governing body Fifa informed the FKF to comply with its statutes and proceed with its AGM or face another suspension.
Fifa warned that “ordinary courts of law” should not be involved in footballing matters, insisting the court order to delay the FKF’s AGM amounted to “undue influence by third parties”.
The FKF declined a request from BBC Sport Africa for comment, but its lawyers are working on an appeal to the verdict.
Kenya’s most recent ban came in February 2022 after the country’s sports ministry disbanded the FKF over alleged misappropriation of funds and appointed a caretaker committee in November 2021.
But Okumu, who plays for French club Stade Reims, knows the danger that comes with another suspension.
The Harambee Stars could be forced out of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, and may even be excluded from the qualifying draw for the 2025 Nations Cup.
“It’s crucial to prevent another suspension,” the 26-year-old said.
“Playing in tournaments like the Afcon and World Cup qualifying gives most of the local players the exposure that they need to take their careers to the next level.
“I’ve benefited from that when we played the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. So I think it’s crucial for us and all the upcoming players as well to get the exposure they require.
“We have the quality, but I think a lot of things need to be in place for us to be able to actually compete at the highest level.
“All the players want to do is give their best on the pitch by defending the colours of our country.”