By Oscar Pilipili

Athletics Kenya (AK) Nairobi branch has been ordered to hold fresh elections by mid-next month.

And, the national office has issued a 21-day notice starting today.

A six-man arbitration panel, chaired by Patrick Kiage, reached the resolution for fresh poll after deliberating on a dispute filed by delegates from the three districts of Nairobi Province.

Athletics Kenya (AK) chairman Isaiah Kiplagat during the unveiling of 2008/9 season calendar of events at AK headquarters on Thursday. Photo: Tom Maruko/Standard

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The delegates boycotted election on October 6 over the intended exclusion of their counterparts from Nairobi North, leaving only executive members in the voting hall.

The panelists, in their recommendations, stated that the elections held at Nyayo National Stadium were flawed.

The findings read before the two parties on October 16 ordered for fresh election within 30 days starting from the grassroots to the apex.

The panel dissolved Nairobi Province office and asked the AK headquarters to put in place mechanisms to facilitate the process.

While endorsing the recommendations, AK chairman Isaiah Kiplagat asserted that Nairobi was a key affiliate of the federation and must have a working office in place.

"Nairobi is very important because it is where we have most officials, athletes and events," he said.

"We must have Nairobi office working and producing results," he said during a press conference at Riadha House.

Other members of the panel were: Sam Mwai (secretary), Jinaro Kibet, Njeri Onyango, Kipchoge Keino and Joshua Okuthe (members).

Kiplagat said that the eight constituencies of Nairobi namely Makadara, Embakasi, Westlands, Kasarani, Kamkunji, Dagoretti, Kasarani and Lang’ata would be elevated to district status during the city election. This, he said, was meant to ensure that the required quota of delegates is achieved.

Everyone is satisfied

Privacy "The three districts of Nairobi can only produce nine delegates that is even less compared to the 14 executive members," he said.

Kiplagat announced that AK second vice chairman, Paul Mutwii, would chair the Nairobi election committee assisted by Executive Committee member Ben Njoka.

Kiplagat said Mara District would also conduct fresh election and at the same time endorsed Thika and Isiolo polls.

"Although there were complains, it was found that Isiolo elections were properly conducted," said the AK chairman.

"Thika conducted fresh elections and everyone is satisfied with the results," he said.

Meanwhile, Kiplagat wants the media to preserve the privacy of athletes, especially when it comes to family affairs.

He opined that it was improper to serialise the family life of athletes as some cases were stressing them due to the magnitude of their sensitivity.

"The image of our athletes is very important and I’m requesting you (media) to spare their privacy," he pleaded.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Commercial Bank cross country series meeting to be held in Machakos on November 8 starts the AK 2008-9 season. AK Secretary General, David Okeyo, released the calendar at Riadha House on Thursday and promised update stakeholders of any changes accordingly.