Former Gor Mahia official questions Ambrose Rachier's eligibility for another term

Ambrose Rachier. IMAGE/File

Former Gor Mahia official questions Ambrose Rachier's eligibility for another term

Festus Chuma 15:30 - 02.03.2025

A former Gor Mahia official questions Ambrose Rachier’s eligibility for re-election, citing term limits and governance concerns ahead of elections.

Former Gor Mahia treasurer Sally Bolo has voiced her strong criticism of the club’s long-serving chairman, Ambrose Rachier, as he seeks another term in office.

Gor Mahia are set to conduct fresh elections this year following the expiry of the executive’s four-year term and the  battle for leadership has intensified, drawing sharp scrutiny from various stakeholders.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Bolo, a vocal critic of Rachier’s extended stay at the helm, took to social media to challenge the legitimacy of his bid.

 "Advocate Ambrose Rachier eyes another reign at Gor Mahia BUT why is our esteemed club chairman, Mr. Rachier, forgetting that he was elected as Gor Mahia chairman back in 2008? The Sports Act only came into effect in 2013; by then, he had already served five years at the helm," Bolo wrote on her Facebook page.

She further argued that the Sports Act, which came into force in 2013, imposed a two-term limit on sports administrators, a provision that she believes disqualifies Rachier from running again.

 "Sports bodies that existed before 2013 were given a one-year transition period, meaning that from 2014 onwards, all sports organisations are now being governed by the provisions of the Sports Act. The club’s 2019 constitution may justify his bid, but last I checked, the Sports Act still limits officials to two consecutive four-year terms," she added.

Rachier, who has served as Gor Mahia chairman since 2008, has successfully defended his seat in multiple elections. 

However, his latest attempt to extend his leadership has sparked legal and internal resistance. 

According to Rachier, the club’s 2019 constitution, which was used in the 2020 elections, supports his candidacy for one final term.

‘’Our constitution is very clear. It allows those who vied and won in the 2020 elections to vie for a second four-year term. I will present myself as a candidate for the top seat,” Rachier stated as per Citizen Digital.

The pushback against Rachier’s extended leadership is not just coming from former officials but also from the legal front. 

In January 2025, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) ordered Gor Mahia to conduct elections within 90 days, citing a breach of the club’s constitution after the executive committee overstayed its term. 

The tribunal’s ruling came after Bernard Agwera Omollo filed a case against Rachier and other senior officials, including deputy chairman Francis Wasuna, secretary Sam Ocholla, and treasurer Dolphina Odhiambo, for failing to hold elections on time.

The tribunal determined that the four-year term that began in August 2020 officially expired on August 8, 2024, making it imperative for the club to elect new officials.

With the elections looming and opposition mounting, Rachier faces what could be his toughest campaign yet.

 His tenure has seen Gor Mahia dominate the FKF Premier League, winning multiple titles, but criticism over governance issues, financial struggles, and lack of structural reforms has fueled discontent among members and supporters.

Some Gor Mahia members argue that fresh leadership is needed to navigate the club towards better financial stability and governance, while Rachier’s allies insist that his experience is crucial for continuity and success.

Tags: