Rugby: Why Owiro contests for top seat in KRU polls

Owiro Asiko holds a rugby ball

Former Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) director James Asiko Owiro believes he has what it takes to turn around the game’s fortunes both on and off the pitch.

Owiro, 54, who previously served as the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Rugby Club chairman, becomes the fourth candidate to declare his interest in Kenya Rugby Union chairmanship elections set for next month.

With the incumbent chairman Richard Omwela not seeking reelection during the Annual General Meeting, Owiro, who officially launched his campaign yesterday, faces stiff competition from former KRU Vice Chairman Sasha Mutai, current KRU Secretary General Oduor Gangla and director Ezekiel Owuor.

And having once served as an acting KRU treasurer and with leadership experience at KCB where he worked as a logistics director, Owiro feels he is the right man to replace Omwela.

“I know the game, I have the skills, the experience, the  support and I love the game. My work at KCB RFC is there for everyone to see. I have developed rugby from many capacities including at KCB from zero to a champion club they are today,” Owiro told Standard Sports on the sideline of the launch of his campaign bid yesterday.

“I’m very aware of the challenges facing the game right now. Though I’m not promising anything, from my background I can try and bring the sponsorships back.  I have worked at the bank for a very long time, I appreciate and understand what accountability is. [Rodgers Eshitemi]