Gohil, Omamo take charge as Cricket Kenya elections deliver clean sweep after court battles

Cricket Kenya ushered in a new era on Sunday after businessman Bhavesh Gohil and lawyer Perlyne Omamo emerged as the federation’s new leaders following high-stakes elections held at Ruaraka Sports Club in Nairobi.

The long-awaited polls, which began around 1pm, went ahead after a dramatic week of legal battles that had initially threatened to derail the process.

A High Court order issued on April 16 had temporarily halted the elections, but the case was struck out on April 17 by Justice Roselyn Aburili, who cited non-disclosure of similar petitions filed in other courts. Additional suits, including one in Kisii, were also dismissed, ultimately clearing the path for a smooth vote.

In the headline race, Gohil secured the chairmanship with 38 votes, defeating former national team captain Tom Tikolo, who garnered 18 votes, while one ballot was declared stray.

His victory marks a significant shift in leadership, with the Nairobi Gymkhana Cricket Club chairman stepping in on a reform-driven agenda aimed at stabilizing the sport.

Omamo, a former women’s national team captain, was elected unopposed as vice chairperson after her rival Kalpesh Solanki was barred from contesting due to a one-year suspension linked to alleged financial irregularities.

Her unchallenged election reflected strong backing from delegates and added to a broader sense of unity within the incoming leadership.

The elections delivered a clean sweep for a single alliance across key positions. Alfred Njuguna Njoroge was elected treasurer with 40 votes against 17 for Chidambaran Subramanian, while Damian Omonywa claimed the Director of County Associations role with 37 votes, beating Vidya Chandrasekhar.

In one of the closest contests, Charity Wambui edged out Sarah Kemunto Mayaka 31 to 24 to become Director of Women’s Cricket.

A total of 57 delegates drawn from 19 compliant county associations participated, underscoring a small but decisive electorate.

Stakeholders have pointed to the unified outcome as a potential turning point for the federation, which has faced prolonged governance disputes and internal wrangles.

The elections were conducted under pressure from the International Cricket Council, which had warned Kenya over non-compliance with membership requirements.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also backed the exercise, emphasizing its importance in restoring order.

Cricket Kenya CEO Ronald Bukusi had earlier described the polls as the final step in meeting ICC benchmarks, warning that failure to proceed would have had severe consequences, including possible suspension.

With a new leadership team now in place, attention turns to Gohil’s reform agenda, which includes financial audits, improved player welfare, and grassroots development.

After months of uncertainty, Sunday’s outcome is widely seen as a reset moment—one that could finally restore credibility and stability to Kenyan cricket.