AK needs to set up an Ombudsman’s office

By Omulo Okoth

Four years ago, athlete Philemon Lisoreng went through a harrowing moment at the hands of an agent.

Some $26,663, which translated to Sh2,081,684, was transferred from the athlete’s main agent’s office in Italy to the sub-agent in Nairobi.

But the sub-agent would not hand over the money to Lisoreng, then a budding road runner, who had done well in the Greatest Races on Earth Series.

He tried to get the sub-agent to hand him the money to no avail. He sought due process and retained a reputed firm of solicitors, who took up the matter with the sub-agent.

The matter went to Milimani Court and was listed as Milimani SPMCC No 4319 of 2008, and on September 15, 2009, the ruling was delivered. The court entered a summary judgement for $26,663 in Lisoreng’s favour.

The athlete was also granted costs of the suit after it was determined summarily, meaning a full hearing was not necessitated.

The sub-agent, a powerful and influential Athletics Kenya official, was ordered to pay Lisoreng the amount by the court.

The question is how many athletes suffer like Lisoreng did four years ago after literally sweating to earn their money only to be frustrated and made to incur extra costs to get paid?

Does AK have an Ombudsman to handle such cases and ensure agents and their Kenyan acolytes remit money meant for athletes immediately they received such monies?

Some athletes had issues in the United States with regards to remittance of taxes, which their agents either ignored or tried to circumvent, jeopardising their careers in those countries who believe the only things one cannot escape are taxes and death.

It would help athletes and other sportsmen and women if an office were created to help track their payment.

Many suffer out there silently. The Ombudsman would also recommend what action to take with such errant officials, which I think banning for life would be the most appropriate sanction.

Such officials should not be allowed to handle athletes, let alone be let by AK to run for elective office. Let AK enforce its own rules on eligibility (Rule 15 sub-section B and H).

And on matters of elections, the AK national poll on Tuesday has exposed the intrigues that have been the hallmark in this rich federation.

Only Isaiah Kiplagat is sitting pretty, as the long-serving chairman faces no opposition.

But David Okeyo, whose position as secretary was scrapped by the new constitution and Paul Mutwii are facing a tricky situation in their bid to become vice presidents.

Jack Tuwei and Mutwii are incumbents, but coach Danson Muchoki’s candidacy and Jonathan Koskei’s could be the game changer for Okeyo and Mutwii.

Treasurer Joseph Kinyua, who is presiding over Sh100 million fortune, is pitted against David Miano, the Central AK Chairman. Then Public Relations Officer Peter Angwenyi, is set against Evans Bosire, Kisii County AK Chair, and Samson Katam, AK Administration Police Chair.

Dimmy Kisalu, outgoing assistant treasurer, will fight against the man he dethroned Francis Afundi of Western, Celestine Githumbu of Eastern and Moses Ndambi.

Membership has attracted 12 men and seven women. A plot which was hatched to cut down to size certain officials at the grassroot appears to continue. And it is apparently getting murkier by the day.

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And now to the Mashemeji Derby. I want to see fans from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards terraces dancing and having fun together.

Let there be no tension. Football is about entertainment, what with those beautiful and curvy ladies, endowed with anatomy, and their male counterparts, who equally excel in sartorial elegance, from the neighbouring communities.

Let us just enjoy the game and go home in peace. The referee will play a major role in fostering this friendly atmosphere.

— The writer is the Sports Editor of The Standard (iomulo @standardmedia.co.ke)