Sports Disputes Tribunal bars Patel and Obuya from Cricket Kenya affairs

CK board members Thomas Obuya, Pauline Njeru, CEO Ronald Bukusi and Tariq Iqbal during a press briefing at Ruaraka Sports Club/ FILE

Cricket Kenya chairman Manoj Patel and acting treasurer Kennedy Obuya have been barred from participating in the federation’s activities following an order by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT).

The ruling, delivered on Friday, prohibits the two officials from accessing Cricket Kenya offices, engaging in its operations, or handling its resources.

The decision follows recent developments, including their questioning by detectives over an alleged Sh26.7 million financial scandal and a vote of no confidence passed by a majority of the board.

According to the Tribunal, “the respondents [Obuya and Manoj] are specifically restrained from accessing, entering, or otherwise interfering with the eighth claimant’s operations and office.”

The SDT further imposed restrictions preventing the two officials—or anyone acting on their behalf—from utilising or interfering with the federation’s assets until the case before it is concluded.

“This Honourable Tribunal hereby issues an order restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, their servants, employees, caretakers, agents, or any other persons acting under their authority or instructions, from in any manner whatsoever interfering with, accessing, or utilising the assets and/or resources of the eighth claimant, Cricket Kenya,” the order reads in part.

The Tribunal’s decision reinforces a September 24 resolution passed by the majority of Cricket Kenya’s board, which issued a vote of no confidence against Patel and Obuya and directed that they be barred from conducting any transactions or issuing instructions on behalf of the federation.

“The Secretary is hereby instructed to communicate the resolutions to the bank and ensure compliance,” the board resolved during the September 24 meeting.

Despite the board’s directive, Patel and Obuya continued to act in defiance, announcing new appointments and conducting press briefings purporting to represent Cricket Kenya.

They named Walter Trenk Mukinginyi as acting CEO and attempted to have him access the federation’s bank accounts.

The group also released press statements using official federation letterheads—actions that have now been halted by the Tribunal’s injunction.

The SDT has additionally prohibited Patel and Obuya from making or publishing any statements purporting to represent Cricket Kenya or its board.

The ruling also bars them and their associates from using the federation’s intellectual property, including its letterheads, seals, and logos, or issuing instructions to its bankers and staff.

In recent weeks, the Obuya–Manoj faction had held a series of press conferences under Cricket Kenya’s name, despite being stripped of authority by the board.

Earlier this week, the two officials attempted to take part in a Ministry of Sports meeting that had invited recognised Cricket Kenya officials, including CEO Ronald Bukusi, for consultations.

They were, however, asked to leave. Ministry representatives reportedly criticised Patel and Obuya for convening an illegitimate Special General Meeting (SGM) on September 21, despite the official meeting having been adjourned to October 19.

Mukinginyi, who claims to be acting CEO, along with 11 purported new board members allied to Patel and Obuya, have also been excluded from meetings with the International Cricket Council (ICC). ICC officials have instead held discussions with the Bukusi-led board.

A senior government official confirmed that both the ICC and the Ministry of Sports will send representatives to the upcoming Special General Meeting on October 19, during which a new vice chairperson will be elected.

“The ICC and Ministry officials will attend the SGM to oversee the election and ensure compliance with governance procedures,” the official said.

The October 19 meeting, organised by the Bukusi-led majority wing, will also address governance and compliance matters, including the registration status of county cricket associations under the Sports Act.

Delegates who fail to regularise their registration may face exclusion from participating in future federation activities, including the executive board elections scheduled for next year.

The Tribunal’s decision effectively removes Patel, Obuya, and their allies from any role in Cricket Kenya’s ongoing operations while the case remains before the SDT.

It also paves the way for the Bukusi-led faction to proceed with federation business and preparations for the upcoming elections under the oversight of the Ministry and ICC representatives.