KRU meeting adjourned for mediation over boardroom disputes

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for Monday at the RFUEA ground, was adjourned to allow for a mediation process aimed at resolving ongoing disputes within the KRU board.

Speaking on behalf of the members, Kisumu Rugby Club treasurer Eric Ondieki proposed a 30-day adjournment to facilitate mediation led by John Ohaga, as directed by the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT).

Homeboyz official Oscar Mango seconded the motion, and members unanimously agreed, leading KRU chairman Sasha Mutai to officially adjourn the meeting.

Mutai had previously sought legal intervention from the SDT after some board members, led by vice chairman Moses Ndale and secretary general Ray Olendo, attempted to suspend him on March 6.

The AGM had initially included an agenda item to discuss Mutai’s conduct, but SDT acting chairperson Njeri Onyango intervened on March 12, suspending the board’s decision and ordering mediation on March 19.

Ohaga, a former SDT chairman, was appointed to oversee the process and is expected to report back to the tribunal by April 2.

Mwamba Rugby Club had also filed motions ahead of the AGM seeking the removal of Olendo, Ndale, treasurer Joshua Aroni, and director John Kilonzo over various allegations.

However, Mwamba chairman Jason Rosario Braganza later withdrew the motion to allow for further consultation.

Mwamba’s grievances included allegations that Olendo had submitted a forged Credit Reference Bureau document before his re-election on March 29, 2023.

This led to his suspension from the KRU board on August 4, 2023. However, Olendo successfully challenged the suspension at the SDT, which ruled on March 5 that the action was illegal and void.

The SDT further stated that any alleged breach of data privacy concerning the Credit Reference Bureau document did not fall under its jurisdiction.

“There has been disagreement within the KRU board over the past weeks, and today we met as affiliates. We felt that we needed to give mediation a chance, as proposed by the Sports Dispute Tribunal,” said Ondieki. “This is the most prudent way to resolve conflicts and ensure the growth of the game.”

Ondieki added that Mutai and the board allowed members to hold discussions on various challenges affecting rugby governance, particularly the ongoing boardroom wrangles.

“We identified communication as a major challenge between the board and affiliates. We agreed to bridge this gap across the Kenya Cup, Championship, Nationwide League, and other competitions,” he said.

Additionally, Ondieki emphasised the need for improved internal audit mechanisms, stronger sponsorship mobilization strategies, and a review of the KRU constitution to enhance the management of the sport.