Court temporarily stops Muturi from acting as Kenya Motor Sports Federation boss

A Nairobi court has issued temporary orders directing Maina Muturi to cease acting as chairman of the Kenya Motor Sports Federation.

Senior Principal Magistrate A. Nyoike granted the order following an application by the federation’s directors, led by James Kahumbura, arguing that Muiruri has been issuing statements on behalf of the Federation, yet he was no longer the chairman.

“A permanent order be and is issued against the defendant to cease and desist from continuing to act as the plaintiff’s chairman,” said the magistrate.

The court directed the case to be mentioned on January 25 for directions.

Kahumbura told the court that Muturi was elected the chairman of the Federation in 2023 and has served for one year.

However, the federation allegedly received formal correspondence from the East African Motor Sports Club, where Muturi was presumed to be one of the directors.

The presumed directorship served as the basis for his eligibility and subsequent appointment as chairman of the federation.

Kahumbura said the communication from the club brought into question Muturi’s status within the club, potentially affecting his qualification in his appointed capacity.

The club allegedly informed the federation that its newly appointed board members were Anthony Muraya (chairman), Daniel Muriithi (Vice chairman), Adah Kangogo as secretary, and Caroline Wangari Ngugi-Kamau.

Muturi’s name, Kahumbura said, was absent from the list, indicating that he no longer held a directorship in the club

The federation consequently convened a directors’ meeting on August 28 with an agenda of addressing club affiliations.

Kahumbura said because Muiruri was not on the list, he could not be recognised as a legitimate representative of the club.

A notice was published in the local daily newspapers informing the public that Muturi no longer holds the position of chairman of the federation. The federation said Muturi has not contested the resolution by filing any claim or legal challenge.

But despite the changes, Muturi has allegedly persisted in drafting and issuing letters to other members of the federation.

The letters which have invited members to attend directors’ meeting, were signed using the title ‘chairman’.

The federation said the conduct not only undermines its decision but also constitutes a serious breach of authority.

“By continuing to represent himself as the chairman, the respondent (Muturi) is engaging in actions that are not only unauthorised but are also illegal, as they contravene the formal termination of his role and mislead the federation’s members into believing that he still holds legitimate office,” Kahumbura said.

He said the continued misrepresentation could cause confusion, disrupt the operations of the federation and potentially lead to legal liabilities due to misrepresentation and abuse of office.

The federation said Muturi allegedly convened a press conference to discuss the federation’s status to his position, an action that was allegedly taken without consultation or agreement from relevant parties, despite the fact that his position as chairman had been terminated.

“The court should issue an order directing him to immediately cease and desist from making publications, statements or representations in the name of the federation,” Kahumbura pleaded with the court.

He said the court should intervene and safeguard the dignity and integrity of the federation.

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