Consider athletes' views, urges Kiptanui

By Feverpitch Reporter

Athletics Kenya has been told to consider athletes' views in its constitution.

Moses Kiptanui, former three times 3,000m steeplechase world champion, and also a former multiple world record holder, wants AK to re-look at electoral process, which he claimed is faulty.

"Now we have counties and we need a clear system of voting to eliminate manipulation of the process," he said.

Kiptanui said athletes welfare should be comprehensively addressed in that constitution instead of people wanting to stay in office for life.

"They want to stay there for life when athletes, who have done a lot are wallowing in poverty. We need insurance for athletes who are injured or die while representing the country," said Kiptanui.

"Athletics is a high risk sport. Has AK a policy for athletes who are injured or die while running at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games or World Championships," asked Kiptanui.

AK has a draft constitution, which has elicited controversy in the executive committee. A controversial clause is that which makes the secretary general’s position non-elective, and gives the chairman executive authority, which, among others, bestows on him the authority to sit on bodies like National Olympic Committee.