WHO WILL IT BE? Chairman Omwela faces challenge in Kenya Rugby Union elections

2. Richard Omwela - KRU chairmanship announcement 1. The KRU inrterim chairman Sasha Mutai during the SGM meeting at KRU on 10-02-2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO 3. Rajinder Pape Sembi

Endorsement claims, accusations and counter-accusations have been a constant bother ahead of today's Kenya Rugby Union elections at RFUEA Grounds.

Incumbent chairman Richard Omwela, who is said to have been endorsed by the Kenya Cup caucus, has been accused of being an 'absentee' chairman during his second tenure at the Union.

The Nairobi-based senior lawyer faces stiff opposition from former KRU vice chairman Sasha Mutai and director Rajinder Pape Sembi, who has retired after the completion of his four-year term.

"What people don't know is that I work as District Governor of Rotary International, which covers Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. Part of that entails travelling to those countries for humanitarian work," said Omwela.

"It has been really challenging in terms of being a KRU chairman and Rotary Governor, which is a one-year cycle, but the appointments are done four years in advance. There is nothing I could have done because I got the appointment before vying for the KRU chairmanship.

"But I am completing my assignment in April, so that should not be a big bother. I promise everything will be handled to fruition."

Others, who were endorsed by the Kenya Cup caucus include Kenya Harlequin Ezekiel Owuor, Sylvia Kamau (Strathmore), Ray Olendo (Kabras Sugar) and Ian Mugambi (Blak Blad).

This didn't go down well with some candidates led by Mutai.

"The mandate for the Caucus was to look for Kenya Cup sponsors, but it has clearly turned into a political outfit," said a bitter Mutai.

"We are living in a democratic country, but I didn't expect them to come up with such a thing after meeting us. There is more than meets the eye in everything in that letter."

While Directors Ian Mugambi (communications) and Oscar Mango (national squads and elite performance) will be seeking re-election, Strathmore director Sylvia Kamau, Raymond Olendo (Kabras Sugar chairman), Ezekiel Owour (Kenya Harlequin treasurer), Bonfas Salano and Hillary Itela will fight for the director's post.

However, top on the agenda will be to receive, discuss the KRU Board Report as well as receive and consider the balance sheet and statement of accounts for the past year.

Other agenda will include naming the elections chairman, four board directors, appointment of auditors for the forthcoming year as well as the appointment of additional members of the appeals council.

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