Urgent Petition Filed in Court for Appointment of Caretaker Committee at Athletics Kenya

A petition has been filed in court seeking an urgent appointment of a caretaker committee for Athletics Kenya (AK). The petitioners, Casper Cheruiyot, Evans Siro, John Mwania Wanzau, and Edward Mburu Mwaura, are calling for immediate action from the Cabinet Secretary for Sports to address what they describe as a severe crisis in Kenyan athletics.

The petition highlights a troubling trend: the prolonged delay in the appointment of a caretaker committee has led to a noticeable decline in the performance of Kenyan athletes. According to the petitioners, this stagnation has negatively impacted the motivation and morale of athletes, which in turn has affected Kenya’s reputation in the global athletics arena.

The court papers filed by the petitioners request an order of mandamus, compelling the Sports Cabinet Secretary to appoint a caretaker committee for AK. This committee is envisioned as a temporary solution to the current governance issues within the organization. The petitioners argue that the existing Executive Committee of AK is only in place due to a temporary stay order from the Court of Appeal. They assert that this interim arrangement is no longer viable and must be replaced by a properly constituted caretaker committee.

In addition to appointing the caretaker committee, the petitioners seek a court order to amend the AK Constitution and to conduct new elections within 90 days. They argue that such changes are necessary to address the governance issues that have plagued AK and contributed to the current crisis in Kenyan athletics.

The petitioners emphasize that the Sports Cabinet Secretary holds the authority to remove officials from sports organizations and that it is within their power to rectify the situation at AK. They point out that the persistent refusal of the Executive Committee to appoint a caretaker committee, despite the court’s guidance, has exacerbated the problems within AK.

This legal action comes amid growing concerns about the management and effectiveness of AK, particularly in light of recent poor performances by Kenyan athletes in international competitions. The petitioners argue that a fresh approach to governance and leadership is urgently needed to restore the organization’s credibility and to revitalize the sport in Kenya.

The request for a caretaker committee is not merely a procedural step but a call for a strategic overhaul of AK’s management. The petitioners believe that only through comprehensive constitutional amendments and new elections can the organization address its internal challenges and pave the way for a new era of success for Kenyan athletics.

As the court considers the petition, the outcome will be crucial in determining the future of Kenyan athletics. If granted, the orders sought could lead to significant changes in the governance of AK, potentially setting a new precedent for how sports organizations are managed in Kenya.

In the meantime, the sports community, athletes, and stakeholders await the court’s decision, hopeful that swift action will be taken to restore Kenya’s standing in the world of athletics and provide a much-needed boost to the morale and performance of Kenyan athletes.

This legal challenge underscores the urgent need for effective governance and leadership within Athletics Kenya, and the outcome of this petition could have far-reaching implications for the future of Kenyan athletics on the global stage.