Intrigues as Mutai fights move to suspend him as KRU chairman
The fresh rivalries began last week with Kenya Cup side Mwamba RFC demanding that four top officials step aside for alleged abuse of office
With exactly 14 days before the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place, trouble is brewing at the Union with Chairman Alexander “Sasha” Mutai fighting his suspension.
Mutai, through his lawyers, Kipkenda & Co Advocates, has dismissed the suspension as lacking in legal backing and warned of a court battle to protect his name and image.
“The proceedings of Board meetings are well governed and stipulated under Article 10.16 of the Constitution of Kenya Rugby Union. We specifically wish to draw your attention to Article 10.16.2 where only the Chairman may call a meeting at any time and such meeting shall be called within 14 days of receipt of a requisition thereof presented to the secretary by the representatives of at least five members setting out the nature of the business they wish to discuss,” a demand letter sent to KRU Secretary Roy Olendo reads in part.
“However, we are instructed that on March 5, 2025, you purported to call and preside over a sham and illegal meeting which you christened as an “emergency” board meeting despite lacking the requisite powers under the Kenya Rugby Union Constitution and Board Charter to do so, in which only four (4) members of the Board requested for a meeting.”
“It is thus evident that your resolution of purporting to suspend our client from the office is of Chairman of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) lacks the requisite legal backing when mirrored against the Kenya Rugby Constitution and Board charter and such action is illegal, null and void ab initio. We draw your attention to clause 12.5.3 of the Constitution of Kenya Rugby Union which stipulates that a Notice of Motion to consider and to pass a resolution in terms of Clause 12.2.7 (f) & (g) must reach the Union not later than 21 calendar-days prior to the date of the meeting at which such motion will be considered,”
“Please note that the Board does not have authority to conduct a disciplinary sitting against one of one of its manners as this is the sole mandate of a committee established by the Board.”
Mutai protested that he had been locked out of RFUEA (Rugby Football Union of East Africa) offices on Ngong Road and removed from the office email system.
The fresh rivalries began last week with Kenya Cup side Mwamba RFC demanding that four top officials step aside for alleged abuse of office and failing to adhere to the Sports Act and the Constitution.
Before the dust settled, Olendo announced the “suspension” of chairman Sasha Mutai with immediate effect. The letter dated March,6, 2024 is not clear exactly why he was directed to vacate office ahead of the crucial AGM.
An unsigned letter circulated to the press read in part; “The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Board has taken decisive steps to uphold the highest standards of governance and leadership within the organization. Following a duly convened board meeting on March 6,2025 at 5pm. The Board has unanimously resolved to temporarily suspend Chairman Alexander Kiplagat Mutai from all board activities, pending a governance review at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March, 24, 2025. The KRU Board remains committed to upholding the integrity, stability and best interest of Kenyan rugby.”
It went further; “The decision ensures the Union can continue to function effectively while addressing the governance concerns raised by stakeholders. The Board is dedicated to ensuring that all governance concerns are addressed in a structured and fair manner, in line with best practices in sports administration. While leadership matters are being addressed, KRU remains fully focused on its core mission-developing rugby at all levels and ensuring the success of our teams on the global stage.”
“We extend our gratitude to our affiliates, sponsors, partners, players and fans for their unwavering support. As we navigate this period, our commitment to rugby excellence remains steadfast, and we will continue working towards a stronger future for the sport in Kenya.”
For years now, the Board has been at loggerheads with Directors clashing with the sport reeling from some decisions. Olendo and Sasha have not been seeing eye over a number of administrative issues and are considered political rivals in the running of the sport.
