Nock Elections: Legend Kip Keino's no show at poll agency paves way for Tergat

Paul Tergat meets marathoner Patrick Makau during the launch of the 2015 SOYA Awards in Nairobi [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Athletics legend Paul Tergat is unopposed for the top post in the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) elections scheduled for May 5.

This is after incumbent Kipchoge Keino failed to pick nomination papers to contest in the elections.

Nock electoral board Secretary Irene Tindi said while 33 people picked the nomination forms, two did not return them.

“Therefore a total of 31 have been cleared to contest in the elections,” she said.

Contacted Keino confirmed he did not pick the nomination forms pointing out that he ‘felt crippled’ by forces in the Ministry of Sports.

“There was no need to pick the forms after the frustrations I have been subjected to. I care about my legacy and want to protect it at all costs,” he said.

Keino also confirmed he had scheduled a meeting with the top brass at Kencom House that houses the Ministry of Sports to pour out his frustrations.

On his part, Tergat paid tribute to Keino but insisted it is time for new blood to take over at Nock.

He also confirmed to have held a meeting with Keino last week, but there was no agreement for the Nock President to step down.

“It is exciting that I have no challenger but then again, I want to say that Keino remains a legend who offered good leadership. Having said that, it is imperative that we allow young people to now take over. The association needs new ideas at the top,” he said.

Tergat promised to consult the federations in all his decisions while running Nock.

“The issue of unpaid allowances for athletes will be a thing of the past,” he promised.

Apart from Tergat, the positions of Women Athlete and Male Athlete representatives are also unopposed.

Hellen Obiri, therefore, becomes the new Female Athlete representative while Humphrey Kayange takes the Male Athlete representative position.