Conflict: Keep off our branch affairs,Barnabas Kitilit, the first vice chairman of Athletics Kenya (AK) Central chairman Benjamin Limo warns Kiplagat

Athletics Kenya Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai

Barnabas Kitilit, the first vice chairman of Athletics Kenya (AK) Central Rift, is being fronted by Uasin Gishu delegates to replace their besieged branch chairman Abraham Mutai.

Speaking in Eldoret yesterday, stakeholders led by Uasin Gishu County AK chairman Benjamin Limo agreed to support Kitilit to take over the new post. Baringo, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties make the AK Central Rift branch. Mutai was convicted in Nandi Court over integrity matters relating to hate speech early in the year. However, he has appealed the ruling.

Ruth Ndalut, the County AK treasurer revealed that following the court ruling on their chairperson, there have been frosty working relations between the two regions.

“Currently we are gearing up for the Family Bank Half Marathon this weekend in Eldoret and we expect Nandi leadership to front its vice chair Barnabas Kitilit in the planning of the race and not Mutai,” said Ndalut.

Already, Uasin Gishu Athletics Kenya branch officials have cautioned AK president Isaiah Kiplagat against interfering with its leadership.

The officials, who met in Eldoret, took issue with the manner in which Mutai was reinstated even after he was found unfit to hold office by the court. AK Uasin Gishu County chairperson Benjamin Limo said the decision by Kiplagat to stand by the embattled Mutai even after Nandi athletics delegates unanimously endorsed Winfred Bungei to the post was uncalled-for.

“He is currently shielding Mutai from facing court issues and we have vowed to distance ourselves from him and work independently as the Uasin Gishu office,” he said.

“We need to work with people who value integrity so that as we bask in the world glory due to good performances, our leadership remains in order,” he said.

Limo, who is also the AK Central Rift secretary, added that working with Mutai will compromise preparations for the upcoming athletics meetings. He said Mutai would not be recognised for any sporting activities until a special general meeting is called upon to decide his fate.

Ndalut said their decision was based on the AK constitution.

“Section 15 (e) the constitution states that ... An office bearer convicted of an indicated offence, not being an offence under the Traffic Act resulting in a term imprisonment shall automatically cease to be an officer of the federation,” said Ndalut.