Otuoma firm on elections

By James Waindi and Gilbert Wandera

Sports Minister Paul Otuoma has threatened to disband the Independent Electoral Board (IEB), Football Kenya Limkited (FKL) and Kenya Football Federation (KFF) if football elections are not held on Saturday.

The Minister said he does not fear Fifa because the Government can run football affairs with or without the global body.

As the Minister was daring Fifa at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani where he launched the World Athletics Championships camp, KFF chairman Sam Nyamweya was up in arms with the electoral board for not inviting him for Tuesday’s vetting.

The exercise is meant to approve those who will be allowed to contest in the football elections, but Nyamweya, who arrived last at the vetting venue, claimed he had not received an invitation.

"It raises a lot of questions about the motive of the board. I was only called by one of the candidates who informed me about the vetting and that is why I came,"

"When I asked the board members why they did not invite me, they told me it was an oversight and have given me a new date next week," he said.

Board Chief Executive Peter Ogonji said another member of his commission, whom he did not name was given the responsibility of inviting all the candidates.

"It was not my duty to invite the candidates for the chairman’s position and the board will look for another date to invite Nyamweya for the vetting," he said.

He said the vetting exercise was meant to get them acquainted with the candidates and grill them on their manifesto as well as make a decision whether they meet the requirements of the electoral code.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier said after the vetting that the issue of his business association with board chairman Joe Okwach was discussed .

"One of the board members brought it up and I explained to them the correct position. I hope they will make the right decision regarding my candidature," he said.

Rachier’s candidature has been challenged by KFF and Football Kenya who have cited a conflict of interest by virtue of his business relationship with Okwach.

Sammy Obingo, who also wants to be chairman, welcomed the exercise and asked the board to strictly adhere to the code.

Football Kenya chairman Mohammed Hatimy urged the board not to disqualify anyone from taking part in the elections.

"When we got the nod to hold elections, my aim was that we open it up to everyone who has something to offer to football and that is my plea to the board," he said.

Elizabeth Shako the only woman candidate for the top post urged the board to sort out issues that have been raised regarding the eligibility of voting clubs. Others who were vetted are Hussein Mohammed and Twaha Mbarak.