Nock to decide on delegates, fate of warring federations

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) will decide whether or not warring factions in five of its member federations will take part in the body’s elections. Nock will make a decision on the matter during its General Assembly on September 29 shortly before going to polls the same day.

Centre for Multiparty Democracy-Kenya (CMD-K) which will oversee Nock elections on Tuesday said although it is against warring factions taking part in the elections, the General Assembly has the final word on nominations and delegates in accordance with Nock’s constitution.

CMD-K Secretary, Irene Tindi yesterday said should the warring factions fail to resolve their differences before the day of the elections, they will still be allowed to present their cases during Nock’s General Assembly before their fate is decided, paving the way for the election.

“Section 17.6 of Nock constitution gives the General Assembly powers to decide on such matters. That makes the Electoral Board dependent on resolutions from the General Assembly,” said CMD-K secretary Irene Tindi.

Tindi was speaking yesterday at a meeting between CMD-K, Nock executive committee members, candidates vying for posts and delegates in Nairobi. Nock’s Extra Ordinary Meeting on September 6 had asked five federations with warring factions to put their houses in order or risk being barred from the elections.

The five federations are Kenya Taekwondo Association, Kenya Cycling Federation, Kenya Badminton Association and Kenya Canoeing and Rowing Federation and Kenya Swimming Federation.

Nock elections aborted on May 5 after Kenya Taekwondo Association sought a High Court injunction after it had been barred from taking part in the exercise.

Tindi, who was accompanied by CMD-K chairman Omweri Agima and chief executive officer Carey Onyango clarified that the process on September 29 will be a continuation of May 5 electing adding that they will not receive any fresh nominations or delegate lists.

However, Tindi explained that the only additional nominees that will be accepted are from those federations that had failed to present owing to cases at the high court or  sports dispute tribunal.

“We shall present all these to the General Assembly to discuss too,” said Tindi. “Mark you all the factions had their candidates and delegates even before the aborted May 5 elections and that won’t change.”

Tindi said all the additional nominations should be presented to them by Friday this week.

There are fears that the elections might not happen what with Kenya Taekwondo Association and Kenya Badminton Association still having cases in court.

The move by CMD-K was received with mix reactions with Boxing Association of Kenya (BAK) chairman John Kameta saying the ball is now with the federations to make or break it. “This is a good challenge for Nock affiliates and its my hope all will go well,” said Kameta.

Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei expressed his worries that the presentations from the warring factions could take long but CMD-K assured that there will be time limit.

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) vice chairman Elina Shiveka said CMD-K could be abdicating its duties by passing the back to the General Assembly.