KRU talks in limbo as parties decline mediation
board members are openly divided on management and leadership of the organisation
Efforts to mediate in the dispute between the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) board and its chairman Sasha Mutai have failed.
According to the Sports Disputes Tribunal, the board “is neither willing to proceed with mediation nor optimistic about a positive outcome”.
The dispute stems from the aborted Annual General Meeting (AGM) that was set for last month. The AGM was adjourned following a decision by the affiliates to allow the board time to address ongoing internal disputes.
There was meant to be a headway following the SDT directive with a majority preferring that the AGM be pushed forward to 30 days until the pending issues were sorted. However, the matter will now proceed for mention on April 16 at the SDT.
A rift has been evident for long within the KRU Board with board members openly divided on management and leadership of the organisation. Mutai, through his legal representative, says that following the Tribunal’s orders issued on March 19, 2025, the parties had reached out to John Ohaga as Appointed Mediator but he was unwell. On its part, KRU board, through their legal counsel, told the tribunal that a judicial review application filed in the High Court had been withdrawn and the decision had been duly served upon the Tribunal.
SDT Acting Chair Njeri Onyango and her panel had virtually that; the AGM slated for March 24, had in fact been adjourned.
“Further, Parties are no longer in agreement and that the client (KRU Board of Directors) was neither willing to proceed with mediation nor optimistic about a positive outcome. He further stated that any prolonged delay would be detrimental to his client.” read part of the ruling by SDT.
In addition, as per directives of the SDT, it was declared that the matter was satisfactorily urgent given the public interest and future stability of the organization (KRU). “It is hereby directed that Orders issued on March 12, 2025 are extended up to March 16, 2025. The Order issued on March 19, 2025, referring this matter to mediation is hereby lifted. This matter will be mentioned on April16, 2025 at 2;30pm for further directions,” declared the ruling.
