DP Gachagua reveals Government's commitment in solving Athletics Kenya leadership crisis

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to help Athletics Kenya solve its leadership wrangles.

Speaking on Thursday, March 27 at his Karen residence where he hosted some athletes, Gachagua pointed out that the government was aware of the issue and was committed to finding a lasting solution.

The second in command noted that the government will collaborate with Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to sort out the mess after the Paris Olympics as he argued that sorting the issue at the moment would interfere with the Olympic Games preparations.

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“I will discuss with CS Namwamba so that we can wait for the Olympics to finish, then we can sort it out," he stated.

“I agree the election issues in Athletics Kenya is a thorny issue, and we are going to sort it out,” Gachagua promised.

“We do not want to destabilize the Olympic preparations.”

Gachagua was compelled to give the government's commitment after the athletes raised the issue insisting that it would ruin their preparations for their upcoming races including the Paris Olympics scheduled to take place from 26 July to 11 August.

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Court orders on Athletics Kenya

On March 7, Athletics Kenya officials led by President Jackson Tuwei were dealt a blow after the High Court ordered them to vacate office with immediate effect.

Milimani High Court Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the orders after 10 petitioners challenged the process undertaken in revising the Athletics Kenya Constitution.

"The officials and Executive Committee of the 1st respondent (Tuwei), who have been in office for a cumulative period of eight years since the coming into force of the Sports Act, have served their terms in full and must forthwith vacate office.

They shall be ineligible to contest for any position in the organization," part of the order stated.

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The petitioners included Moses Tanui, Julius Korir, Julius Kariuki, Christopher Kosgei, Wilson Boit, Susan Sirma, Leah Malot, Nixona Kiprotich, Hosea Logo and Mary Chemweno.

They argued that Athletics Kenya, through Tuwei in November 2015, began the process of reviewing the body's Constitution so that its provisions could be compliant with the Constitution of Kenya and the Sports Act.

The petitioners argued that the decision taken to amend the Athletics Kenya Constitution was null and void as it was in breach of the Constitution and the Sports Act.

However, on March 8, they obtained hold orders extending their office stay for 30 days.

“Upon this matter coming up for judgment on 7/03/2024 before Hon. Justice L.N Mugambi in the presence of counsel for the Petitioners and 1st Respondent; it is hereby ordered; That stay of execution of 30 days is granted."

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