Sasha Mutai: A visionary leader whose impact transcended tenure

Mutai stepped down on Friday, May 30, during a Special General Meeting (SGM) marred by boardroom wrangles and a looming motion of no confidence, the third such attempt since he assumed office unopposed on March 29, 2023, at the KRU Annual General Meeting held at the RFUEA Grounds.

Yet despite the acrimonious exit, Mutai’s contributions to Kenyan rugby are difficult to ignore. “If your shirt is white and nine people say it’s black, it doesn’t change the fact that it is white,” he said in his parting shot, a symbolic reflection on leadership under fire.

A Visionary from the Start

Mutai’s story began long before the boardroom, on the pitch. As a student and player for the University of Nairobi’s legendary Mean Machine, he demonstrated a rare blend of athleticism and strategic foresight. Beyond his performances on the field, he secured a kit sponsorship for the team, introducing the now-iconic blue hoops. More impressively, he convinced Sarova Whitesands Hotel to sponsor the team’s participation in the Driftwood 7s for two consecutive years, an unprecedented achievement for a student-athlete.

Breaking Barriers on the Board

In 2006, at just 28, Mutai became the youngest-ever director elected to the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) board. He quickly made his presence felt. He negotiated a groundbreaking kit deal with global brand KooGa, ensuring the Kenya 7s had new kits for every leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, something that had never been done before.

He also brokered a high-profile international sponsorship deal with Virgin Atlantic, the first time Kenya had an airline partner, highlighting his unmatched networking skills and visionary thinking.

In 2008, he played a key role in bringing global sevens powerhouse Fiji to the Safari 7s for the first time, boosting the tournament’s profile and legitimacy on the world stage.

The Zuku Deal and Western Province Partnership

Elected Vice Chairman in 2012, Mutai's influence grew. He negotiated a landmark Ksh 250 million broadcast rights deal with Zuku, far surpassing previous valuations, including SuperSport’s estimate that barely covered production costs. The deal fundamentally changed perceptions of Kenyan rugby’s commercial potential and rekindled corporate interest in the sport.

He also formalized a strategic partnership between the KRU and Western Province Rugby Union in South Africa, following a 2006 meeting with the legendary Cassiem Jabaar during the George IRB 7s. This collaboration focused on exchange programs and technical development.

A Stormy Final Act

Mutai’s most recent stint as KRU Chairman, beginning in March 2023, was plagued by internal power struggles, legal battles, and deep factionalism, prompting World Rugby to warn of possible sanctions if stability wasn’t restored.

Amid the turmoil, Mutai remained focused on progress. On May 24, 2025, he secured Kenya Airways’ return as a sponsor for the Kenya Simbas to the tune of Ksh 15 million.

On November 26, 2024, he helped secure a Ksh 100 million sponsorship deal from Safaricom’s M-Pesa for both the Kenya Lionesses and the men’s sevens team—the first time the women’s team landed such major backing.

He also facilitated the return of SportPesa as Shujaa sponsors and brought Crown Paints on board as co-partners.

The Cost of Chaos

Despite his achievements, Mutai’s tenure was ultimately undermined by infighting and a fragile governance structure, issues that continue to haunt Kenyan rugby. “When leaders feud, it is the game, fans, and players who suffer,” he lamented. And it's true: commercial gains are quickly eroded when administrative squabbles overshadow the sport.

A Legacy Beyond the Headlines

Alexander “Sasha” Mutai may not have served long terms, but his contributions have enduring value. He brought creativity, vision, and a corporate-savvy mindset to a sport desperate for modernisation. While his departure leaves a vacuum, his achievements are a blueprint for what’s possible when leadership aligns with purpose.