Kenya Rugby Union Elections: Incumbent Richard Omwela re-elected as union’s chair

Richard Omwela emerged top in a highly contested election with 25 votes over Mutai Sasha who garnered 23 votes. Omwela will extend his leadership at the union for another term after taking over on March 7, 2015.

Mutai, who is the former KRU vice-chair lost the lost the top seat with barely two votes, during this year’s Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, March 22 at RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi. Pape Sembi came distant third with nine votes.

Rugby Union’s board of directors include Strathmore Leos Director, Sylvia Kamau(48votes), Kabras Sugar chair, Ray Olendo (37 votes), Ian Mugambi (38 votes) and Kenya Harlequins treasurer, Ezekiel Owuor (33 votes).

Oscar Mango, the director of national squads and elite performance, was one of the bigwigs to bow out after earning 23 votes. Bonfas Solano and Hillary Itela were also ousted as directors after collecting 21 and 20 votes respectively.

Mr. Omwela will be highly evaluated after his tenure in office based on the key issues he used as campaign tools.

Firstly, is to resuscitate our Safari Sevens, a circuit which used to attract fans across East Africa to come and watch and enjoy high-class rugby. This tournament is really drowning.

It is also in his plans to inject new life into Kenya Simbas (15 aside rugby team, both men, and women). The Simbas who sit 24th in the current standings has not been registering impressive results of late.

During his campaigns, he vowed to see to it that Kenya 15 aside qualifies for the Rugby World Cup 2019, in Japan.

Finally, soliciting for sponsorship deals from corporates or and any other entities once and for all, thus ensuring that all rugby teams at whichever level get the most out of them.