NOCK ACCUSED OF SABOTAGE: Affiliates against idea of slowing down constitution review process

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) affiliates have accused the embattled current office for slowing down the body’s constitution review process as ordered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In yesterday’s press conference in Nairobi, the NOCK Affiliate Federations Secretary Andrew Mudibo blamed the Kipchoge Keino-led Executive Committee for failing to implement the resolutions of last month’s tripartite meeting between representatives from IOC, NOCK and the Kenyan Government following the mismanagement of Team Kenya in Rio.

The affiliates claim that the Executive Committee is undermining IOC’s directions to NOCK hence sabotaging the entire review process.

“We are ready to be banned if this office continues sabotaging the constitution review process. It’s a fight about the process and coming up with the new constitution, nothing else,” said Mudibo.

Despite the frustrations, the affiliates are determined to continue with the process as outlined mutually agreed timeline starting with October 27 stakeholders meeting to discuss the constitution. It will be followed by the adoption and validation of the new constitution before appointing an independent election board to oversee elections on December 3.

“IOC will be invited to send a team of investigators to Kenya, so that they can investigate the conduct of NOCK officials and inspect the NOCK accounts for funds that they have been giving to NOCK for its affiliates programs,” said Mudibo.

He said they will be recording statements with the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission and the Criminal Investigations Directorate over alleged abuse of office, misuse of funds, ownership of NOCK assets, mismanagement of NOCK properties and illegal withholding of the Nike kit.

He also said they shall initiate a forensic audit of all NOCK accounts and assets and the findings be published for the sake of transparency and accountability in the institution.

“As officials of our National Sports Federations we shall not sit back and watch NOCK fall at the expense of the hard work of Kenyan sports men and women.

“We are prepared to take action that will redeem NOCK as a credible, transparent and athlete-centred institution even if our actions are considered unpalatable to the IOC.

Mudibo said they will no longer be held at ransom by the mismanagement that has plagued sports for many years and were prepared to face the consequences of their actions even if it leads to a ban saying the ban will ultimately ensure the future of sports for generations to come.