Athletics Kenya to hold elections next year, says Murkomen

The Cabinet Secretary of Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that Athletics Kenya (AK) will hold its elections in 2025, after more than ten years that the current office bearers have been in office.

While speaking on Thursday at the launch of the 2024 Chemususu Dam Half Marathon at his office, the CS emphasized the need for accountability and good governance standards across all Kenyan federations

.”We have Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections coming up, we will have AK elections next year, and we have a number of other federations. Going forward, the rules must be followed, and accountability must be achieved and other people must be given a chance to make their contribution in the country,” said Murkomen.

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AK last held general elections in 2015, where current Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei was seconded to lead in an acting capacity but was later confirmed by the AK executive.

New elections were scheduled for 2017, but they were halted by a court order after ten applicants lead by the 1991 World Athletics 10,000m champion Moses Tanui, Julius Korir and 11 others who contested the process by the way of a court injunction.

Murkomen has been very passionate about federations having elections and giving smooth transitions to other players to take charge.

“Each of us must know that this is a stage, you come, you do what you need to do, you give way to another person to try also,” he emphasized.

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Early this year, Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who presided over the case, ruled that the current officials are not eligible to seek re-election and should vacate the office immediately.

The Judge also directed AK to amend its 2016 constitution within 90 days after holding a public participation with all key stakeholders and then hold elections.

The current office bearers appealed that decision and a stay order was given of 30 days after which a bench of three judges led by Justice Patrick Kiage, Justice Lydia Achode and Justice Abida Ali-Aroni was formed to hear and determine the case.

The case is currently ongoing at the Court of Appeal.