Four federations stop NOC-K elections

The High Court and the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) had allowed NOC-K to proceed with the polls in Nairobi, following a successful appeal by the Kenya Taekwondo Federation, Kenya Rugby Union, Kenya Volleyball Federation, and Kenya Triathlon Federation to be included in the AGM.

However, the Kenya Handball Federation, Kenya Volleyball Federation, Kenya Triathlon Federation and the Kenya Taekwondo Federation threw a spanner in the works after the four federations failed to agree on which of their officials were to vote.

The 2025 Elections Rules and Regulations stipulate in Articles 5.2, 13.1, 14.6, and 17.12 that each federation/association shall be represented by two delegates, with the voting delegate being either the president or secretary general.

The push and pull led to the adjournment of the elections even as NOC-K directed the four federations to sort out their issue before the Committee drafts a new electoral calendar—a process that will start afresh.

NOCK Executive Member Barnaba Korir, who is vying for the position of First Deputy President under Team New Dawn, Fresh NOCK- expressed his dismay over the turn of events, saying the move is poised to have a negative impact.

“This is the most unfortunate day for Kenyan sports. We came ready to elect leaders to move NOCK forward, only for indecision to steal the moment.”

Korir condemned the adjournment calling it a betrayal of Kenyan athletes.

“I am not happy at all,” he said bluntly. “We ran proper campaigns, outlined our vision and yet, here we are, with no elections. It’s really embarrassing that we’re fighting for positions instead of putting sportspersons first.”

NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku said the standoff forced the executive to step back and allow President Dr. Paul Tergat to mediate.

“They held firm to their positions,” said Mutuku. “That’s what led to the adjournment.”

Mutuku added that the committee was acting within legal boundaries, citing a High Court ruling issued just hours before the scheduled vote.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the Milimani High Court had declined to suspend the elections and issued a conservatory order reversing NOCK’s earlier decision to bar certain federations from participating.

“A conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying the implementation of the decision… barring the Petitioner and the Federation from participating in the NOCK elections,” the court stated.

Earlier, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) reversed its own decision to halt the elections after an appeal was filed on Thursday morning.

For Korir, the court’s position was clear.

“The court allowed the elections to proceed. We had the green light. But internal wrangles got in the way. We’ve let down our sportsmen and women once again.”