AK Central Rift boss Mutai disputes suspension, says ‘I’m here to stay’

Athletics Kenya Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai has disputed reports of his suspension, saying he has not received any formal communication notifying him of the decision.

Speaking to the media in Eldoret, Mutai said the leadership dispute should not distract the region from its athletics programmes and preparations for upcoming major events.

“To date, no formal communication has been served to be to show that I’ve been suspended, and we are treating whatever happened on that day as sideshows meant to divert the attention of the busy schedule that we have as a region,” noted Mutai.

He cited the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi among the key events requiring focus, while calling for unity within the athletics fraternity.

“I am here with the team from sub-counties, and ward levels. My vice-chairman is here and as a region we are focused to what is ahead of us. As a region, we have a very busy schedule are, including the 2027 World Championships in Beijing, 2028 Olympics and then 2029 in Nairobi,” he said.

Mutai said Athletics Kenya’s constitution provides a clear procedure for dealing with disciplinary and leadership matters.

He also announced plans to establish a committee to investigate claims that he has been suspended and take appropriate action against those making the claims.

“There is a procedure of suspending a member. That was not followed, and as it stands, whatever has happened will also attract a disciplinary action that will be instituted by the committee that I will be forming. We’ll make sure that those who participated will be punished according to the constitution and the procedures that are there in Athletics Kenya,” said Mutai.  

Mutai’s remarks come after members of the Athletics Kenya Central Rift executive committee announced on September 25 that they had suspended him over allegations including abuse of office and conduct they said was damaging to the federation.

Vice-chairman Joseph Boit was subsequently reported to have taken over on an interim basis. Mutai’s account disputes the effectiveness of that action, saying he has not received formal communication.