Who will rescue 7s rugby after Mwangi Muthee's resignation?

Former Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Mwangi Muthee's tenure was marred by allegations of conflict of interest, underhand deals involving directors and claims of name-calling and confusion that culminated into his infamous departure.

His claims ahead of his resignation that sponsors, together with key partners had raised questions about the rot at KRU, cast aspersions not only on his leadership, but the integrity of other board members as well.

KRU is made up of four executive officers and six directors.

The executives include Chairman, Vice Chair, Secretary General and the Treasurer, while the six directors have designated roles in accordance with their speciality and skills.

The board has the discretion of co-opting two or three members. The additional members and KRU's chief executive officer however do not have any votes in board decisions.

But who exactly are these people under whose watch Kenya's most celebrated sports federation crumbled like a pack of cards?

And who should Kenyans watch as campaigns for KRU elections slotted for March 2015 begin in earnest behind the scenes?. These are the people behind KRU:

Mwangi Muthee

Muthee dreamt big.

As far as he was concerned, rugby was just about to surpass football in popularity. His leadership was a bag of mixed results.

Whereas the team performed well, reaching the semifinal stage of the IRB (International Rugby Board) World Sevens in 2013, the Chairman seemed unable to keep his house in order.

It is during his tenure that the historically quiet union started washing its dirty linen in public.

Asked whether he is plotting a comeback as has been rumoured by his supporters, Muthee said it is too early to politic over the March 2015 elections.

"I am no longer the chairman. As such, I should not be seen meddling in KRU affairs. Instead, Kenyans should be discussing the issues that made Mwangi leave. Anyone who loves the game should be really concerned about recent developments," responded Muthee.

Phillip Jalang'o

Elected Vice Chairman in March 2014, little is known about Jalang'o and his days as a rugby player.

Having served KRU previously as the Director of National Squads and Elite Performance, Jalang'o grabbed the headlines when he fired English tactician Mike Friday despite the coach being a darling of the Kenya Sevens players.

He is however credited for getting the Samurai kit deal for the national team.

The former Kenya Harlequins chairman who helped renovate Quins bar is among those eyeing the top seat.

Eddie Omondi

The young and humble city lawyer is KRU's Secretary General and Head of Administration and Disciplinary Committee.

After taking over from the robust and no nonsense Jack Okoth, Omondi has preferred a behind-the-scenes approach to issues away from the public unlike his peers in the union.

Players say he has done a lot for their interests.

Gabriel Ouko

The union's Treasurer is on record stating his interests in a company that does business with KRU.

Known to be very controversial and daring, the interim chair must play his cards well within the next three months if he wants the electorate to consider him chairman material.

Maurice Masiga

he has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the right to co-opt certain personalities into the board. He recently resigned as the Director and Secretary to the Development and Technical Committee.

Godwin Karuga

The former Team Manager was the union's Director of Commercial Services until his resignation, but not before his name was adversely mentioned by colleagues as having been involved in procuring tickets on behalf of the union. His friends say he is often a fence-sitter.

Kadieda Ogutu

The Director of Media and Communications has been blamed for not protecting the interests of the union as other board members openly clashed in public with players.

Moses Ndale

The former Kenya Commercial Bank rugby player is the current KRU Director, Fixtures and Competitions.

Peninah Wahome

Head of Sports at Kenyatta University, Wahome is the director in charge of development.

She is however faulted for failing to steer rugby's growth.

The other female director is Paula Lanco, who is in charge of Women's Rugby and Community Rugby.

Jack Okoth

The former KRU CEO and Hon. Secretary has a history with the union. Jack's tenure saw Kenya rise to high ranks with Mike Friday as the coach but his no nonsense approach to issues saw him fall out with a number of people within the rugby fraternity culminating to his exit. Okoth says that if elected chair he will ensure that the rule of law is adhered to.

Dennis Ombui

A lawyer by training and Director, National Squads and Elite Performance, Ombui is very passionate about the game.

He is known to be an open-minded man who does not mince his words.

Richard Omwela

The former KRU chairman has also been touted as a possible replacement with his supporters describing him as the only man who can restore sanity in the game.

Omwela admits that so far, he has received calls from the rugby fraternity asking him to make a comeback.

"That is a tough call. When I came into the game, KRU accounts were reading negative and by the time I left, we had close to Sh45 million in the reserve account. But let us not throw stones for now. My style of management has always been pegged on building consensus to make decisions in the interest of the game. I will state my stand in due course," he said.

Peter Nduati

The founder and CEO of Resolution Insurance is also one of the key men to watch should he decide to run.

The former Impala player commands respect among the rugby fraternity as well as the corporate world.

Nigga Abednego

Officially known as Fred Odhiambo, Nigga served as vice chair both under Omwela and Muthee.

Asked about prospects of running for office, he said, "Being a chairman would not solve the problem. I would like to be in the caretaker committee that will help restore sanity in rugby."