Cricket Kenya Chairman Manoj Patel and Acting Treasurer
Kennedy Obuya have been dealt a significant blow after the Sports Disputes
Tribunal barred them from participating in the federation’s affairs.
The ruling follows recent developments, including a vote of
no confidence passed by a majority of the board.
In orders issued Friday, the Tribunal directed that both
officials be prohibited from accessing Cricket Kenya offices or engaging with
its operations.
“...the respondents [Obuya and Manoj] are specifically
restrained from accessing, entering, or otherwise interfering with the 8th
Claimant’s operations and office,” the ruling states.
Additionally, the Tribunal imposed strict limitations
preventing the duo, or anyone acting on their behalf, from interacting with or
using the federation’s assets until the ongoing case is fully resolved.
“This Honorable 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 8th Claimant, Cricket Kenya,” the order reads in part.
The decision comes ahead of a key Special General Meeting
scheduled for 19 October, where a new vice chairperson of the federation is
expected to be elected.
In another blow, the two have been barred from making or
publishing any public statements claiming to represent or bind Cricket Kenya or
its board.
In recent weeks, the Obuya, Manoj axis has been having a
series of press conferences and purporting to speak for Cricket Kenya.
The tribunal further restrained the respondents and their
agents from issuing instructions to Cricket Kenya’s bankers or staff and from
using the organization’s intellectual property, including its letterheads,
seals, and logos.
On September 24, the majority board members passed a vote of
no confidence in Manoj and Obuya and barred them from transacting or issuing
instructions on behalf of Cricket Kenya.
“The Secretary is hereby instructed to communicate the
resolutions to the bank and ensure compliance,” the board directed in the
September 24 meeting.
Despite that resolution, Manoj and Obuya are said to have attempted
to install new office bearers, naming a new acting CEO and having him access the
federation’s accounts, prompting the court case.
ICC officials who visited the country this week, however, held meetings with the board led by CEO Ronald Bukusi, affirming their legitimacy.
A senior government official has confirmed that the ICC and the Ministry of Sports will send representatives to the SGM for the election of the
Vice Chairperson on Sunday next week.
The election is organised by the Bukusi-led majority wing.
Among the key issues is the need for the delegates from the affiliated county associations to regularise their registration status under the Sports Act prior to the executive board elections next year.
Regularisation failure will put such delegates at risk of
being locked out from participating in the federation's activities.
