KRU boardroom wrangles threatens to tarnish relationship with key sponsors

Kenya Rugby Union chairman Sasha Mutai. Photo: Arigi Obiero [KRU]

KRU boardroom wrangles threatens to tarnish relationship with key sponsors

Stephen Awino 13:00 - 10.03.2025

KRU chairman Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai has dismissed claims of his suspension as they union approaches a crucial period of negotiation with key sponsors.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai has dismissed claims of his suspension, terming it as a null and void move that did not follow the proper legal and procedural requirements.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s Sporty Monday, Mutai asserted that he remains the chairman despite reports indicating otherwise.

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“I’m still the chairman. They say I’m suspended. I saw a letter coming from the acting chairman, Vice Chairman Moses Ndale, but all this is null and void because the process was not followed. We have a constitution, and we also have the Sports Act,” Mutai stated.

According to Mutai, KRU’s constitution mandates that any significant decision, such as suspending a sitting chairman, must be made through a properly constituted board meeting.

The board holds meetings every second Monday of the month, making March 10 the official date for such a gathering.

However, he claims that a prior meeting, allegedly convened by the Secretary General, was illegitimate as the secretary lacks the authority to call for board meetings.

“Last week, the secretary called for a board meeting, but he has no powers to do so. So anything discussed at that meeting was a Kamukunji (an informal gathering). Anything discussed there is null and void,” he emphasized.

The controversy follows a motion tabled by Mwamba RFC, Kenya’s first indigenous rugby club, on March 2.

The motions, set to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) were votes of no confidence against the secretary and vice chairman, as well as a motion declaring the treasurer and a director unofficial due to the completion of their terms under the Sports Act.

However, Mutai revealed that a separate motion, allegedly targeting him, was submitted late and, therefore, deemed invalid.

In response to what he described as an “attempted coup” by certain board members, Mutai confirmed that his lawyers are handling the situation, as he has been locked out of KRU’s operational systems, including emails and financial accounts.

This comes at a crucial time for the Union, with key meetings scheduled with potential sponsors, including Safaricom and Sportpesa

The Kenyan national teams, Shujaa and Lionesses are currently in the thick of the world sevens challenger series gunning for a top placing in the standings.

“To call a proper board meeting, five members must write to the secretary, who then notifies me to convene it. However, today is an official board meeting. If they wanted to discuss me, I am open to that conversation. But today’s meeting will proceed as a procedural board meeting,” Mutai clarified.

With the AGM approaching, all eyes are on the Kenya Rugby Union as the power struggle intensifies, leaving the future leadership of the organization hanging in the balance.