Motorsport stakeholders call for fresh start in scathing statement directed to federation interim chair

The Motorsports Association of Kenya (MAK), which constitutes of past and present stakeholders in the country, have in a Friday afternoon presser demanded for a "fresh clean start" in the Kenya Motor Sports Federation Limited (KMSF), asking the Sports Registrar to take cognizance of the leadership wrangles therein.

The strongly worded statement by the Kenya motorsport competitors, officials and volunteers comes after interim KMSF Chairman Mr. Jim Kahumbura took office, and recently misrepresented the federation's standing in an interview on national television.

As per MAK, Kahumbura, who they referred to as "alleged interim chairman of KMSF", did not give a full and factual account of what really took place in a KMSF Board Meeting held on 28 August 2024, where he was "appointed" as the interim chairperson in place of Maina Muturi.

MAK pointed out that Kahumbura falsely made comments about a KMSF-appointed Appeals Board whose decisions were declared Ultra Vires and unilaterally fired.

Additionally, Kahumbura stated that only Keith Henrie - Autocross Commission Chairman - resigned in the aftermath of the aforementioned decision by the KMSF Board of Directors, while in essence, it was the entire commission that resigned.

The interim chair also misreported that only Rallies Commission chairman Richard Onyoni forwarded his resignation letter to the new secretariat.

"Some of the members are here, you can ask them and if need be we can share their resignation communication," MAK's statement read.

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Importantly, the stakeholders made it clear that a press statement outlining the alleged Board decision on 28 August was neither signed by the secretariat or the alleged interim chairman. 

Also, Kahumbura's statements about the setting up of a Task Force under Carl "Flash" Tundo was incorrect, as their report was never reported directly to then KMSF Chair Phineas Kimathi, and only altered but unsigned recommendations approved.

With KMSF clubs and shareholders non-compliant with the KMSF Sports Act, MAK stated that it was apparent there is a "systemic crisis in Motorsports in Kenya" and that some Directors and senior officials had displayed "increased level of arrogance, effectively taking control of what was once our organization."

The stakeholders in light of that, are proposing for a new constitution, that has in addition to the approval of over 1000 past and present competitors, officials and volunteers, garnered commitment from three leading sponsors.

MAK, in conclusion, are asking for Kahumbura to "withdraw his statements" while asking all relevant bodies - including the Sports Registrar - to step in and take sufficient corrective actions to restore credibility, transparency, and enthusiasm" in Kenyan motorsport.

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