Otula retains Kenya Basketball Federation top seat

KBF Chairman Paul Otula during the unveiling of Morans team at Nyayo National stadium.Nov 7, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Incumbent Paul Otula yesterday retained the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chair’s seat to secure a fourth term in office. 

Otula, who was first elected to the post in 2008, beat Cynthia Mumbo 57-45 at the KBF elections held at Nyayo Aquatics.

Mumbo, a marketer and former basketball player, was Otula’s only challenger in an election that was initially set for April last year but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

With only two posts contested, most candidates were unopposed including treasurer Peter Orero who will be deputed by Louise Araka.

Araka sealed the vice treasurer’s post after overcoming Nelly Odera by two votes. The two faced off in a neck-to-neck battle with Araka garnering 49 votes against Odera’s 47. Former holder Luke Ogolla suffered humiliation securing a paltry seven. 

Hilmy Ali and Donald Liruh had it easy as they sealed the first and second vice chair seats, respectively.

Ambrose Kisoi, who served as assistant secretary general was elevated to the secretary general position. Kisoi who served in acting capacity after the then secretary general Vitalis Gode stepped down, was also unchallenged.

Angela Luchivya will deputise Kisoi while Joseph Amoko and Steve Nyakina will continue serving as the match and fixtures secretary and assistant match and fixtures secretary, respectively. 

In his acceptance speech, Otula said that his objective is to make Kenyan basketball the best in Africa.

Mumbo accepted defeat saying she was ready to work with the elected officials for the growth of the sport in the country. 

Otula said his team's first mandate will be to ensure that Kenya Morans qualify for AfroBasket championships set for Kigali, Rwanda later this year.

Morans will be looking to seal their ticket when they take on Angola, Senegal and Mozambique in Group B second round qualifiers.