What next for KRU after Chairman Mutai's exit?

Kenya Rugby fraternity was thrown into limbo last week after the Kenya Rugby Union chairman Sasha Mutai resigned from his position citing internal wrangles and sabotage and interference from some of the directors of the board.

Anger, disappointment and displeasure was palpable on the social media as the majority of rugby enthusiasts thronged microblogging site X to pour out their emotion.

However, the Kenya Rugby Union must move with speed to elect a new chairperson as the Vice Chair Moses Ndale is constitutionally mandated to hold fort for a period not exceeding 14 days from the day of the resignation.

“It’s quite unfortunate, I don’t think we should have gone that route. If the vote of no confidence and the voting done on the floor, then basically the board members could’ve elected one of the members to become the chair for the rest of Sasha Mutai’s term but since resigned, article 10.10 says the Vice Chair steps in as the chair for a period of not more than 14 days. As a board we will have to sit down and elect one of us to step in as the chair for the remainder of the term,” says Ndale.

Ndale dismissed any concerns of the board room wars affecting the national teams saying the KRU secretariat manages the teams independently and there is no cause for alarm over player and national team management.

“Rugby must go on; for the players, we have a strong secretariat led by our CEO Thomas Odundo and actually I think most of the time we have tried as much as possible not to interfere with the running of the union or the secretariat.

“So, I believe nothing is lost though it’s unfortunate but it’s a matter of how we take the next steps.”

Mutai has been credited by restoring public and corporate trust at the union as players and fans alike witnessed the return of various sponsors for the national teams.

What remains to be seen now is the direction the remaining board members take and who is going to be at the helm of the Kenya Rugby Union.