Silverio Omari
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that Athletics Kenya (AK) will hold its elections in 2024, stressing the importance of accountability and adherence to governance standards in Kenyan sports.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Chemususu Half Marathon at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi on Thursday, Murkomen reiterated his commitment to improving governance within sports federations, starting with transparent elections.
“We have upcoming elections for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), AK elections next year, and more in other federations. Going forward, the rules must be followed, and accountability must be upheld,” he declared. The last general elections for AK took place in 2015, bringing Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei into power. While new elections were planned for 2017, they were halted by a court order after ten applicants challenged the process.
Murkomen emphasized the significance of leadership transition, stating, “Each of us must understand that this is a stage. You come, fulfill your role, and then make room for others to contribute.” Justice Lawrence Mugambi has also ruled that the current officials are ineligible for re-election, instructing AK to amend its 2016 constitution within 90 days after consulting all relevant stakeholders.
Tuwei Remains Silent on World Athletics Bid
Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei has kept his plans regarding a potential bid for the World Athletics presidency under wraps. When asked if he would run for president to succeed Lord Sebastian Coe, should Coe transition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Tuwei responded, “Let’s cross that bridge when we get there.”
Tuwei, also a vice president at World Athletics, has led AK through several significant events, including the 2017 World Under-18 Championships, the 2021 World Under-20 Championships, the Kipchoge Keino Classic, and the Sirikwa World Cross Country Tour.
Dj Vnyash
