With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) elections concluded, attention has now shifted to the upcoming National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) polls scheduled for April 24.
Ahead of the elections, intense underground campaigns and strategic lobbying are already at play, with whispers of financial inducements circulating as candidates work tirelessly to win over delegates.
The race to succeed NOC-K president Paul Tergat, one of Kenya’s greatest distance runners, is shaping up to be a two-horse contest.
Tergat, who has served two terms, has overseen significant reforms, making the contest to replace him even more competitive.
Two key figures in the current NOC-K executive have emerged as the main contenders—Shadrack Maluki, the outgoing first vice president, and Francis Mutuku, the current secretary general.
Maluki, the Kenya Judo Federation (KJF) president, also holds the prestigious position of Africa Judo Union (AJU) chairman, a role he assumed in January.
He sees himself as the natural heir to Tergat’s leadership. However, Mutuku, who was re-elected as the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone V secretary general on March 9, is equally determined to claim the top seat.
Both men exude confidence, claiming to have the backing of the majority of delegates. With just a month to go before the polls, they are in the final stages of aligning their campaign strategies while assembling strong teams to contest key positions.
National Olympics Committee of Kenya president Paul Tergat (centre) with Secretary General Francis Mutuku (left) and Vice President Shadrack Maluki during their AGM in Nairobi on December 10, 2024.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
NOC-K has already set out a clear election roadmap. The Registrar of Sports has been notified of the intended election dates, and the official 21-day notice for the NOC-K Electoral Congress will be issued between March 28 and April 3.
The collection and submission of nomination forms will take place between April 3 and 10, after which the verification process for voters and candidates will run from April 11 to 16. The final list of eligible candidates will be released on April 17, exactly one week before the election.
A total of 25 NOC-K affiliate federations will cast their votes, with each federation having one vote. Additionally, four special category officials—IOC members Paul Tergat and Humphrey Kayange, women’s representative Pauvi Rawal, and athlete representatives Kayange and Hellen Obiri—will also participate in the voting process.
However, three federations—Kenya Swimming Federation, Badminton Kenya, and Kenya Golf Union (KGU)—will not be allowed to vote due to internal wrangles and non-compliance with sports regulations.
A close source has revealed that Tergat attempted to broker a consensus between Maluki and Mutuku in an effort to avoid a divided election. However, both candidates have remained firm on their ambitions.
“Tergat really wanted them to have a gentleman’s agreement for one candidate since he felt that a lot has been achieved during his eight-year tenure where the two played a great role,” said the source.
Paul Tergat unopposed for NOC-K presidency
Unlike outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach, who publicly endorsed Zimbabwean sports minister and Olympic swimming champion, Kirsty Coventry, in the recent IOC elections, Tergat has chosen to remain neutral in this race.
Nevertheless, he will still cast his vote in the secret ballot.
Tergat first assumed the NOC-K presidency in 2017, securing 18 votes against his opponent, the late Patrick Muyah, who garnered six. He was later re-elected unopposed in 2021.
While Maluki and Mutuku claim to have the majority backing, neither has officially submitted their nomination papers. Behind the scenes, their camps have been engaging in closed-door meetings to solidify their respective teams.
Maluki has strategically aligned himself with influential sports administrators. His team includes NOC-K executive committee member Barnaba Korir, a well-known figure in athletics, as his first vice president.
Kenya Hockey Union president Nahashon Randiek, who has previously contested the position without success, is Maluki’s preferred choice for second vice president.
On the other hand, Mutuku has enlisted Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) president Anthony “Jamal” Otieno as his first vice president. Otieno also serves as the Africa Boxing Federation Zone III president. Mutuku’s second vice president pick is outgoing NOC-K treasurer Anthony Kariuki.
The battle for the secretary general position is also heating up, with three candidates emerging as front-runners. Mutuku’s camp is torn between outgoing deputy treasurer John Ogolla (weightlifting) and former rugby star Humphrey Kayange. Kayange remains undecided, with both camps eager to bring him on board.
“I want to meet the federations and the media to unveil my plan for the country dubbed ‘My Promise to Service’, ” said Mutuku.
Maluki, however, is taking a more reserved approach.
“I am the number one principal deputy and can only take command from my boss, Tergat. I still have time, but all is well, and victory is in sight,” he said.
Maluki’s side is also backing Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA) supremo Andrew Mudibo for the secretary general position. Mudibo has vied for the seat twice before, but was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Softball Kenya boss Francis Karugu is being fronted for the deputy secretary general role.
Mutuku’s camp has yet to reveal their preferred deputy secretary general candidate, keeping their cards close to their chest.
However, with Kariuki moving up to second vice president, the treasurer position remains up for grabs.
For the treasurer role, deputy secretary general Shoaib Vayani (shooting) and Fred Chege (fencing) are being considered by the Mutuku and Maluki teams, respectively.
Another key battle is for the deputy treasurer position, with Paul Otula (basketball), who is believed to be aligned with Mutuku, set to face off against Charles Mose (cycling).
The Women’s Representative seat has also drawn interest, with Lilian Mududa (volleyball), Winnie Kamau, and Immaculate Kavutha (netball) all throwing their hats into the ring.
With just weeks to go before the NOC-K elections, the contest between Maluki and Mutuku is intensifying. Their ability to secure support from key federations will be crucial in determining the outcome.
As the campaigns reach their peak, all eyes will be on how these two candidates manoeuvre in the final stretch. Will Maluki’s experience as Tergat’s deputy give him an edge, or will Mutuku’s strategic alliances tip the scales in his favour?
