Okeyo denies claims he was forced to step down

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Nairobi,Kenya:Athletics Kenya (AK) first Vice President  David Okeyo, has refuted claims that he was forced not to vie  for any seat in the National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) elections to be held tomorrow  in Nairobi.

He dismissed talk  that AK forced him to step down since the association’s  chairman Isaiah Kiplagat is also going for a top position.

“Nobody forced me to step down. I am the one who decided to do so. I really appreciate my tenure at NOCK,” said Okeyo, who will not defend his Second Vice Chairman’s position.

Other NOCK officials not vying are Peter Nderitu (First Vice Chairman) and John Robert (member).

At the same time, NOCKChairman Kipchoge Keino has called for free and fair elections.

He has requested   leaders who will be elected to initiate youth developmental projects.

“Youths have immense talents that need to be tapped. You will do them much honour if you implement sports projects that will brighten their future,” Kipchoge told the candidates at a NOCK function in Nairobi yesterday.

Kipchoge said the multi-billion global sports company, Nike, has renewed a four -year super deal with NOCK, which he said is a better deal than the previous one.

He added Nike officials   will jet into the country this July to seal the super deal.

Meanwhile, despite not holding their internal elections, the Kenya Hockey Union have been permitted to participate in the elections.

Nock Election contenders are: Chairman: Kipchoge Keinoa and Alfred Khangati. First Vice Chairman: Ben Ekumbo, Isaiah Kiplagat and Gordon Oluoch.  Second Vice Chair: Pius Ochieng and Samson Nyamweya. Secretary General: Francis Paul. Assistant Secretary General: James Chacha and Njeri Onyango. Treasurer: Fridah Shiroya and Elynah Shivekha. Assistant Treasurer: Stephen Arap Soi and John Kameta. Committee Members: Catherine Ndereba, Resham Bains, Anna Njambi, Andrew Mudibo, Antony Kariuki, Siffudin Patwa, Charles Nyaberi, John Ogolla and Shadrack Maluki . Women Rep: Rachel Kamweru and Paurvi Rawal. Athletes Rep (Male): Paul Tergat, Billy Konchellah and Jason Dunford. Athlete Rep (women): Tecla Loroupe  andEdnah Rotich. Honorary Member:  John Roberts.