A section of Kenya Rugby Union election contestants have stood firm to dispute the decision by government to call off the elections.
The chairperson elections, which were supposed to be held on Wednesday, were called off by the government, citing need to hold a meeting with stake holders and the newly appointed Sports CS Amina Mohammed.
A statement by Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaneria said that the reasons to have the election postponed is to create room for a comprehensive discussion with stakeholders and provide solutions to the problems facing KRU.
“We want a stakeholders forum first before doing anything first. The infighting must end first for a clear future. Stakeholders are for the idea and the corporates are ready to return if a lasting solution is in place,” said Kaberia.
The Union’s Secretary General Oduor Gangla, who is one of the contestants, backed the decision saying the board “will advise on the move in dew course”, after consultations with the ministry.
However, former KRU vice chairman Sasha Mutai and former treasurer and director Asiko Owiro protested against the move.
The duo said they will resist any attempts by the government to stop the election, whose focus is to kill their ambitions for rugby.
“We won’t allow government’s interference and the purported stakeholders meeting can be called by the new office,” said Owiro.
KRU has been facing challenges under the outgoing chair Richard Omwela, which has led to poor performance of Kenya Sevens in previous competitions.