The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) failed to hold its scheduled elections on April 24, 2025, when the elective annual general meeting in Nairobi ended in disarray. 

 This situation persists despite the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) directive that all member bodies complete elections by the end of April. 

The impasse began when IEBC Returning Officer Muthee Gakuru announced that federation secretary generals could vote alongside chairpersons.  

This directly contradicts NOCK’s constitution, prompting the IOC to send a clarification letter to NOCK President Paul Tergat. 

The IOC emphasised that “voting rights must align with the provisions of the NOCK constitution” adopted in March 2017 and approved by the global body the following month. 

 They specifically cited Articles 13.1, 14.6, and 17.12 as the governing framework. 

Article 13.1 states that federations shall have two delegates – either the president or the secretary general – with only one permitted to vote.  

Article 14.6 requires federations to inform NOCK’s secretary general in writing about their delegates, clearly indicating who holds voting rights. 

The IOC clarified that federation presidents should typically be the voting delegates unless absent or unable to attend.  

They stressed that such disputes should be referred to the NOCK general assembly as the supreme decision-making body. 

Sports Register Rose Wasike has also affirmed that federation chairpersons should be the voting delegates or nominated representatives. 

The role of the returning officer in the polls is crucial, ensuring that all electoral activities comply with these rules.  

Adhering to constitutional procedures is essential for ensuring fairness and transparency, and maintaining the integrity of both sports governance and the electoral process. NOCK’s constitution serves as its governing document, and proper compliance helps ensure legitimate and accountable leadership. 

NOCK Secretary General Francis Mutuku, who is running for president of the federation, should announce a new election date.  

All court cases should be withdrawn, and the returning officer must conduct the election according to established rules.  

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya must also quit sitting on the fence and step up to provide clear guidance on this critical issue.