Why rugby boss ‘tackled’ fan

Jack Okoth (Left), the secretary and acting chief executive of the Kenya Rugby Union during the Dala Sevens held in Kisumu. [PHOTOS: TITUS MUNALA]

By Nairobian Reporter

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It was meant to be action-packed rugby on the pitch and a fun-filled outing off the field, but a public spat between a top official and a prominent fan at the premiere event of the national sevens series stood out like a sore thumb.

To the dismay of many, the Dala Sevens held in Kisumu on the weekend of August 3-4 appeared to have provided the perfect opportunity for Jack Okoth, secretary and acting chief executive of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), and top fan Walter Onchari Orangi to sort out their differences. The verbal scrum between the two only came to an end after security guards were ordered to kick Walter out of the venue.

The Nairobian has since established that the ugly scene between the pair started after Mike Friday’s recent resignation as the national rugby sevens coach. Walter is said to be among a group of vocal supporters, who have turned to social media to criticise KRU for frustrating the popular Englishman and stifling the growth of the game. Allegations of impropriety have also been bandied around.

When contacted, Jack admitted he confronted the fan to ask for an explanation on the false accusations and defamatory remarks on social media.

“He lacks respect for me and has gone out telling lies on Facebook. He must know his boundaries. I have never taken even a single cent from KRU coffers and if he can’t prove otherwise he should stop the attacks. I have a family that looks up to me; I will not sit back and watch him soil my name with unfounded accusations,” the official told The Nairobian.

On his part, Walter accused the official of intimidation.

“Jack told me to my face that he will make sure he gets people to hurt me if I stay any longer at the venue. He also said I should prepare for more of the same confrontation in the (sevens) circuit. I will tread carefully on this matter, but I recorded a statement at the Kisumu Central Police Station. I will follow up with the police in Nairobi, where I will provide further evidence,” he told The Nairobian.

Walter further claims that Jack and some officials have been intimidating players and fans who raise issues affecting the game.

“A section of the fans have proposed a players’ union run by a Players’ Council to protect them from modern day slavery,” says Walter by way of providing what he believes is a solution.