SDT issues interim orders on the Western Jaguars case against Kenya Hockey Union

In a virtual courtroom session today via Microsoft Teams, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) Chairman, John Ohaga, presided over the case brought by the Western Jaguars against Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) and Colonel (Rtd) Nahashon Randiek. The legal dispute centers around the contentious rescheduling of the 2023 KHU Premier League match between league leaders Butali Warriors and bottom-placed KCA University.

Ohaga issued interim orders to all respondents and interested parties, requiring them to submit their responses to the petition. The case will see another mention on 4th March 2024, where the responses will be confirmed, setting the stage for a final hearing on 13th March 2024. All involved parties are expected to have submitted their responses by this date.

Western Jaguars seek SDT intervention amidst KHU Premier League controversy

Festus Onyango who was representing the first interested party, Butali Warriors, urged the court to provide clarity on the way forward before the upcoming KHU Premier League match between Butali Warriors and Western Jaguars scheduled for this Sunday, 25th February, and also expressed the view that the KHU Executive Committee could have resolved the matter internally, asserting that events may have overtaken the dispute.

In response, Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa, representing Western Jaguars, countered Onyango's arguments, highlighting the absence of responses from the respondents despite serving them with a letter seeking clarification on the case. The lack of engagement from KHU and Randiek added a layer of complexity to the proceedings, raising questions about the internal processes within KHU.

According to the certificate of urgency presented by Mutubwa, Western Jaguars outlined the alleged violations, including breaches of constitutional articles and fair administrative action laws by KHU President Randiek. Western Jaguars asserted that the decision to reschedule the match on 15th February 2024 was not only a violation of natural justice principles but also an act of procedural impropriety, rendering it null and void ab initio.

With the match between Butali Warriors and KCA University hanging in the balance, Western Jaguars are still in the race for the 2023 KHU Premier League silverware as they are placed second behind league leaders Butali Warriors with only two points between them.