Kenya Swimming Federation directs federation to do elections

Kenya risks being banned from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games unless elections have been held. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD]

Kenya Swimming Federation has been given up to February 29 to conduct elections or risk a ban from world swimming governing body, Fina.

Kenya risks being banned from 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games only unless elections have been held.

Patrick Muyah, the Kenya Swimming Federation chairman, said: “Elections must be held latest early February to avoid repercussions after the International Swimming Federation (Fina) temporary suspended Kenya a fortnight ago over delays in conducting polls.”

In 2017, an interim management committee headed by John Ohaga was put in place following wrangles in the swimming federation.

Muyah said Fina gave Kenya a right to reply over its earlier letter and allowed its written submission to done via a video call.

“We have no choice but to conduct elections before February 29 deadline unless we keep on playing politics once again,” said Muyah.

A statement from Fina Communications Department indicated that Fina has temporary suspended KSF, “ until elections are held in accordance with Fina rules.”

Fina had given Kenya last June 30 as the deadline to hold election before they extended the ultimatum to October 30.

The world body gave Kenya ample time to review its constitution and come up with rules governing the election process but could not beat the deadline due to wrangles within the swimming fraternity.

Early this month, the disputes came out openly during the three-day CANA Zone Three Swimming Championships at Kasarani Aquatic Centre where top swimmers skipped the event.

This was after the event organizing committee asked swimmers to pay for their accommodation and participation fee, which some parents and guardians objected.

Event Local Organising Committee Chairman Joe Maina was quoted in the media saying that had it not been for individual sponsors, the championships could not have been possible.