KRU Chairman sues Union's Board of Directors after attempted take over
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 13.03.25. | 16:39
The board claims that Sasha Mutai's unilateral decisions have led to financial losses and tarnished the Union’s public image
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has once again found itself embroiled in leadership wrangles after an impromptu board meeting on Thursday, 6 March, allegedly resulted in the suspension of Chairman Alexander Sasha Mutai.
The decision has since been challenged by Mutai, who maintains that the move was unlawful and politically motivated.
According to Raga House, Mutai’s suspension was reportedly fueled by several accusations, key among them being the alleged irregular hiring of Kenya Sevens team manager Steve Sewe without following due process and later approving a salary above the set scale.
Further, under Sewe’s management, five Shujaa players arrived in Canada just 24 hours before the Vancouver 7s tournament after being turned away at the check-in counter, costing the Union Ksh1.35 million.
Kenya went on to win no games at the event. Mutai is also accused of attempting to veto disciplinary action against Sewe despite the logistical blunders.
Additionally, he allegedly pushed for the payment of Ksh1.3 million to a digital brand group for the Super Series Rugby launch, a firm he is said to have single-sourced.
Alongside director Wanjiru Waria, Mutai is accused of leaking internal KRU documents to third parties without board approval.
Another accusation leveled against him is that he allegedly backed accusations against the vice-chairman, treasurer, secretary, and a director through Mwamba RFC, though the motion was later withdrawn.
The board claims that his unilateral decisions have led to financial losses and tarnished the Union’s public image.
A motion of no confidence against him is set to be tabled at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in two weeks.
The Chairman has, however, dismissed this motion, arguing that it is time-barred. Nine KRU board members have signed the motion calling for Mutai’s removal, citing that he does not align with the Union’s vision and aspirations.
The signatories include Vice-Chairman Moses Ndale, who has now assumed the role of acting chairman, Secretary Raymond Olendo, Treasurer Joshua Aroni, and Directors Harnet Okach, Leslie Mwangale, John Kilonzo, Moses Mukabane, Ochieng Ahaya, and Humphrey Kayange.
Appearing on Citizen TV, Mutai hit back at his detractors, particularly Secretary Ray Olendo. He claimed that Olendo had sued KRU for legal fees, despite Mutai having terminated Orare and Company Advocates' contract upon assuming office in 2023.
Mutai further alleged that a potential sponsorship deal in 2023 was canceled after KRU was sued by Olendo, further exacerbating the Union’s financial struggles.
He maintains that his suspension is null and void, arguing that the KRU secretary had no authority to convene the meeting that led to the decision. He insists that the accusations against him are part of a broader fight against corruption within the Union.
In response to his suspension, Mutai has moved to the Sports Disputes Tribunal, filing an urgent case against the KRU Board.
The Tribunal has since recognized the urgency of the matter and granted a conservatory order preventing KRU from suspending or removing Mutai for at least seven days.
Mutai has until March 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM to officially notify KRU of his appeal and the court order, while KRU has until Tuesday, 18 March, at 5:00 PM to file their response. The case will be mentioned on Wednesday, 19 March 19, at 2:30 PM for further directions.
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