Eldoret – The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) elections were stopped again Thursday after the Eldoret High Court issued a fresh order halting the process. Justice Nyakundi gave the directive following a petition filed by Triathlon Federation President Joyceline Nyambura, who claimed she was wrongfully excluded from participating in the vote.
Nyambura filed the case under a certificate of urgency. The court has scheduled the hearing for June 23.
This marks the second disruption of the elections, originally slated for May 24, which were postponed due to disputes involving voting rights among four sports federations: Volleyball, Triathlon, Taekwondo, and Handball. The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) had directed the federations to resolve delegate issues, but tensions have persisted.
Following Thursday’s aborted election, NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku downplayed the crisis. He described the legal battles as political tactics by opposing camps.
“At some point, we will have to agree,” Mutuku told reporters. “What we are witnessing is purely politics. I’m glad we still have an operational office, and our programs are running.”
Despite the calm tone, Mutuku acknowledged that prolonged wrangling could damage the committee’s credibility and potentially invite action from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Current 1st Vice President Shadrack Maluki leads the “Team New Dawn” faction, which has raised allegations of interference in the election process. Kenya Table Tennis President Andrew Mudibo, speaking for the group, questioned the impartiality of SDT member Allan Mola.
“There is manifest bias against federations aligned with the New Dawn coalition,” Mudibo said. “In every case, our claims have been dismissed while our opponents continue to receive favorable rulings.”
The elections have grown into a two-front battle. Maluki is contesting the president’s seat against outgoing Secretary General Francis Mutuku. Meanwhile, NOCK Executive Member Barnaba Korir faces Professional Boxing Federation President Anthony “Jamal” Ombok for the First Vice President position.
The escalating power struggle has cast a shadow over Kenya’s Olympic movement at a time when the nation is preparing for major international competitions. A resolution now lies in the hands of the court, with the next hearing set to determine the fate of a process already plagued by delays and mistrust.
