Warning ahead of Nock polls

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Sports Registrar Rose Wasike has warned that she will not allow federations and individuals with court cases to take part in this month’s National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) elections.

Wasike advised such federations and individuals to seek clearance before they can be allowed to participate in the September 29 polls.

She warned her office will not recognise such elections if federations and individuals who have no clearance are allowed to take part.

“We have a Sports Act which must be adhered to in matters of elections. One of the provisions in the Act provides for vetting of officials vying for certain positions. In this regard I want to make it clear that anyone or any association who has pending case in court must clear them before the elections are held,” she warned.

She added: ”The act is also clear that elections must be conducted by an independent body and if this is not done then the elections will not be valid and my office will not register officials elected in such a process.”

At least six associations namely, Kenya Swimming Federation, Kenya Amateur Cycling Association, Kenya Badminton Federation, Kenya Weightlifting Federation, Kenya Rowing and Canoeing Association and Kenya Tae kwon do Federation have pending issues either in the High Court or at the Sports Tribunal.

Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia said: “We are just happy that finally a date has been announced for elections and want to assure all stakeholders that we do not support any individual, but will offer needed support to ensure the process is concluded as scheduled,” he said.