Chris Musumba
29 October 2008
Nairobi — Just one month after the national office was re-elected in office, Athletics Kenya executive has ordered the repeat of the branch elections in Nairobi starting on November 5.
This in effect renders the election of incumbent officials a nullity. The branch will also be expanded from its current three sub-branches to eight.
Athletics Kenya secretary general David Okeyo issued the directive on Wednesday saying the federation will use the provincial administration boundaries under divisional jurisdiction to map out the sub branches.
There was difference in opinion on how the branch was to hold election having only three districts.
This meant that it would be impossible to remove the incumbent as the three district each provide three delegates making it nine while the executive has 14 officials.
"We have since ordered that the branch have eight sub branches based on divisional boundaries to raise the delegates from nine to 24.
"This will help us have some real challenge in deciding who is elected," said Isaiah Kiplagat the AK boss.
During the national elections, AK had permitted Nairobi branch to take part with three delegates - two from the incumbent and one from the opposing camp.
This was settled on in a gentleman's agreement and now Okeyo has ordered for fresh election so as they can conform to the constitution.
The sub-branch elections will be held on November 5 at the eight divisional headquarters while the branch polls will be a week later at the Nyayo National Stadium.
"Nairobi province is unique. With three administrative districts, there would be no justice in us having elections under such formalities.
"That is why we have divided it to eight sub-branches," said Okeyo.
Sarah Kiwanuka had successfully defended her post as chairman during the nullified Nairobi branch elections. Others who were voted in were Joseph Tanui and Samuel Obiero as vice chairmen.
Secretary was John Anzra and Wilhemina Mayende. The other camp had athletics agent Barnabas Korir and former National athletics head coach Mike Kariuki.
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