Trouble at KRU as Sports Dispute Tribunal orders fresh elections

The country’s rugby governing body Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has once again found itself on the wrong side of the law after the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) ruled that the elections held on 6th September 2022 have been annulled after it failed to meet the threshold with massive irregularities.

In a ruling delivered on Valentine’s Day 2023, the John Ohaga chaired SDT ordered for fresh elections at KRU within 60 days as it indicated that Joshua Aroni (Treasurer), Ian Mugambi (Secretary General) and Oscar Mango (Director) are illegally in office at the moment having ended their four-year tenure on 30th March 2022.

In addition, the SDT noted that the KRU Constitution is inconsistent with the Constitution of Kenya 2010, The Sports Act, and the Registrar’s Regulations in the case which had been presented for hearing by former KRU director Ray Olendo, through Kinoti and Kibe Company Advocates, who had sought redress following the elections held last year at the RFUEA Grounds.

“The Tribunal in finality ordered as follows; a declaration that the KRU Elections of 6th September, 2022 are annulled, KRU ordered to hold elections within 60 days, that the 4th,5th and 6th officers are illegally in office, that the elections are to be conducted by an independent panel consisting 2 members (female and male ) appointed by the board, one representative from Kenya Cup, one representative from Champion side, one representative from women rugby and the CEO of KRU to be secretary (who shall have no voting rights),” a part of the ruling read.

In issuing its verdict, the SDT noted that the impugned elections had been marred with irregularities that included falling short of the 30 days’ notice period, lack of an independent election panel, interference by the Sports Registrar Rose Wasike and ineligible members being allowed to vote among other reasons for nullification.

“That the election held on 6th September, 2023; fell short on the notice, lack of an independent election panel, interference by the 8th Respondent, lack transparency, and interference by observers, 9th Respondent is unconstitutional, un eligible members were allowed to vote; The Sports Registrar was not within her constitutional mandate to interfere with the elections; County associations were not entitled to vote,” the tribunal held.

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With the ruling, it now means the elections of Moses Ndale (Vice Chair), Ian Mugambi (Secretary), Oscar Mango (Director) and Lesley Mwangale (Director) who were elected in the impugned September elections are now null and void.