Cheruiyot to Athletics Kenya: Let's have elections before Paris Olympics

Cheruiyot claimed existing confusion is likely to have a negative impact on the preparation of the athletes

In Summary
  • The last time AK held its general elections was in 2015 where current president Jack Tuwei was elected.

  • Elections were to be held in 2017 but 10 applicants moved to court to stop the process.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot.
Image: TONY WAFULA

Pressure has continued to pile on the Athletics Kenya (AK) to conduct its elections ahead of the Paris Olympics games set for July.

Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot criticised on Tuesday what he termed as lack of clarity in the organisation's operations.

He claimed there was confusion, something he said, is likely to have a negative impact not only on the preparation of the athletes for the global competition but also to the sport in the country.

According to Cheruiyot, there was need for Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to take the lead role in finding an amicable solution.

“Kenya is preparing to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics and there is whole lot confusion and I would wish CS Ababu come out a bit more clear with a roadmap ahead of the competition,” Cheruiyot said.

The Kericho Senator told the CS to convene a meeting of relevant stakeholders and officials including the athletes with a view to resolving the deadlock once and for all.

Cheruiyot said such action is crucial for ensuring Kenya's athletes are prepared for the global competition.

“It is my humble request to the minister to be more vocal, be at the center of this conversation and update country so that we are settled and we know that there is a plan and our athletes and athletes and sportsmen and women are not going to waste their talents due to wrangles in the unions,” he added.

The last time AK held its general elections was in 2015 where current president Jack Tuwei was elected.

Elections were to be held in 2017 but 10 applicants moved to court to stop the process.

On March 7, the High court in Nairobi ordered the executive committee of AK to vacate office immediately.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi also ruled that the current officer officials are not eligible to contest for the election.

He also directed the AK to review its constitution ratified in 2016 after taking views from all stakeholders within 90 days.

This is not the first time, Cheruiyot has raised concern over the state of affairs at athletics body in the country.

During the funeral of late marathoner Kelvin Kiptum, he pleaded with the officials to have a sit-down and ensure that the court case is withdrawn so they can give a chance to athletes to elect who they want.

“I want to plead and request the leadership of Athletics Kenya and all those people who are in court, in honour of Kelvin Kiptum and all the athletes that suffer because of challenges in our federations, let us make sure that the year does not end before we conduct elections," he said.

Senator Cheruiyot wants to Athletics Kenya elections held before Paris Olympics

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