International Paralympics Committee praises Kenya for holding all inclusive polls

Newly elected Kenya National Paralympics Committee (KNPC) members

The International Paralympics Committee (IPC) has congratulated Kenya for putting her house in order ahead of next year's Rio 2016 Games qualifications.

Kenya National Paralympics Committee (KNPC) held an all-inclusive election at the Kenyan National Sports Council boardroom on Saturday.

"The IPC is happy with this positive move to bring all Kenyan Paralympics stakeholders on board. We are encouraging other member countries to emulate Kenya as an example in solving their disputes," said IPC board member Jairus Mogalo who presided over the elections.

The Saturday elections saw former KNPC treasurer Agnes Oluoch floor former chairman Douglas Sidialo and Stanley Mutuma to emerge the new federation chairperson.

"It's a new dawn for us. My administration will be an all-inclusive. The next step now is to spread the spirit of Paralympics to all counties," said Oluoch who represented the country in shot put in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Pune, India.

Oluoch had 23 votes against Mutuma's one. Sidialo had none. Mutuma-led faction had taken the federation to court after March 2014  elections that voted in Oluoch as chairperson.

The wrangles hit fever pitch to an extent that IPC had threatened Kenya with a ban and the government had to step in to call for fresh and inclusive elections.

KNSC treasurer Charles Nyaberi, who was assisted by KNSC deputy secretary James Akama, was the returning officer. Government representatives at the event were: Richard Ombema (Registrar of Sports) and Department of Sports Representative Dennis Munuve.

The new treasurer John Tita said: "All athletes should work hard to make Rio qualification on merit, there will be no short-cuts."