KRU ordered to conduct fresh elections after nullification of previous polls

The Kenya Rugby Union was on Tuesday ordered by the sports tribunal and disputes committee to hold a fresh election within 60 days.



This is after the tribunal committee nullified the election held on September 6, 2022, at RFUEA Grounds.



The tribunal annulled the election stating that KRU failed to meet certain thresholds and that the exercise was marred with irregularities.



In its ruling to nullify the election, the Tribunal said “they were not held in consonance with the electoral principles, the spirit and meaning of the Sports Act and the KRU Constitution.”



According to the tribunal, the last elections held in September where Joshua Aroni was elected treasurer, Ian Mugambi secretary general, and Oscar Mango as a director are null and void.



It was also highlighted that the KRU Constitution is inconsistent with the Constitution of Kenya 2010, The Sports Act, and the Registrar’s Regulations.



Among the irregularities cited by the SDT included falling short of the 30-day’s notice period, lack of an independent election panel, interference by the Sports Registrar, and ineligible members being allowed to vote among other reasons.



With the ruling, KRU officials Moses Ndale (Vice Chair), Ian Mugambi (Secretary), Oscar Mango (Director), and Leslie Mwangale (Director) will vacate their positions.



KRU were at the same time ordered that the election should be conducted by an independent panel of 5 members.



The five will include two nominees from the current board; a man and a woman, one member from the Kenya Cup, Championship, and Women’s Rugby as well as the CEO of the Union who will not have voting rights.



In the same breath, KRU has said it will comply with the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) ruling that nullified the elections held in September.



The KRU led by Gangla has come out to ask Kenyans of goodwill to share their proposals and recommendations on or before the close of business on February 24, 2023.



Gangla sent out a memo calling on Kenyans and other stakeholders to participate in the current rugby reforms.



The memo explained that the amendments were being made to help the KRU laws align with the Sports ACT 2023 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010.