Korir urges focus on elections amid Athletics Kenya leadership dispute

Korir stressed the importance of elections in ensuring legitimacy, arguing that all elective positions should be determined by the public to maintain trust and accountability within the federation.

“We have always been ready for elections. If you want to continue excelling, you must seek legitimacy through the ballot so that your actions have public support. No one should want to remain in office without a mandate from the people,” Korir stated.

As an Athletics Kenya Executive Member and Youth Director, the 60-year-old emphasized the need to respect the election process and accept its outcome in the best interest of the sport.

“The process must go on so that those raising concerns can exercise their right to vote. Anyone seeking office must submit to the electoral process by AK’s constitution. We cannot disregard the laws governing the federation. Once the elections are conducted, those elected should be supported, and those who lose should respect the outcome,” he added.

His remarks come a week after the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court ruling issued by Justice Mugambi on March 17, 2024, which had directed Athletics Kenya officials and the Executive Committee to vacate office. The ruling followed a successful appeal by AK.

Justices Pauline Nyamweya, Aggrey Mchelule, and George Odunga found that the petitioners had not initially sought orders to bar executive committee members from holding office, which had denied the officials an opportunity to respond.

This decision effectively ends a legal battle that has dragged on for nearly nine years, allowing the current AK officials to remain in office until a fresh election is conducted.