IOC STICKS BY NOCK: World body declines to recognise Kioni-led interim committee

The International Olympic Committee have retaliated that it does not recognize the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Dr Hassan Wario’s decision to disband the embattled National Olympic Committee of Kenya.

IOC also does not recognise the Waithaka Kioni-led interim committee, which was appointed by local sports federations a few weeks ago.

This comes barely a week after a tripartite meeting between representatives from IOC, Nock and the Kenyan Government was held in Lausanne, Switzerland where the global body ordered its Kenyan affiliate to conduct elections before December 31.

Nock was also directed to convene an Extraordinary General Assembly in accordance with the current constitution and Olympic Charter to address and solve issues raised over mismanagement of Team Kenya at the Rio Olympic.

However, in a stern letter dated September 21, addressed to Dr Hassan Wario and Nock chairman Kiochoge Keino after being contacted by the recently appointed Waithaka Kioni-led interim committee, IOC faulted the process followed to convene the meeting and appointment of the interim officials.

“The decision to “disband” the NOC of Kenya (Nock) will not be enforced, in view of the principles and rules which govern the Olympic Movement,” read the letter.

“The IOC has received a communication from a so-called “Interim Committee” (a copy of which is attached to this letter for your information), which reveals that due process, as per the Nock Constitution currently in force, has not been followed to convene an “extraordinary meeting” of the Nock General Assembly and proceed with “amendments” to the Nock Constitution.

“Therefore, the IOC does not recognise any of these actions and, in accordance with the Olympic Charter, confirms that there is only one Nock duly recognised by the IOC, which is currently headed by its President, Mr Kipchoge Keino.”

As per the joint meeting held on September 16 in Lausanne, Nock was mandated by IOC to implement the road-map which was agreed on as stipulated by Nock Constitution and the Olympic Charter.

It was also resolved that Nock will report on the outcomes of the joint meeting in Lausanne with the December elections expected to be held under the full supervision of the IOC, in close coordination with Nock and the government.

In addition, Nock’s constitution is to be reviewed and the proposed amendments submitted to the IOC for approval in accordance with the Olympic Charter.

The IOC letter comes even as the Olympic President met with Deputy President William Ruto on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly conference, where he indicated that the organisation had agreed to proposals that Nock be revamped.

Bach reiterated that Kenya should hasten reforms in Nock and avert any sanctions over the officials’ misconduct.

“You can reorganise the committee with proper reforms,” Bach said.