Announce election dates, BAK urged

With the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the Boxing Association of Kenya (BAK) national elections, a candidate for the top seat has urged the current office to announce the dates without further delays.

At the same time, Anthony Ombok said it was wrong for the national office to keep other aspirants guessing.

“BAK should announce the dates as some counties have started holding the branch elections while others have already completed the exercise,” said Ombok.

Ombok was last Saturday elected unopposed as the Kisumu County BAK chairman.

Others who were elected unopposed include George Onyango (first-vice chairman) and Charles Ayoma who was voted in as second second-vice-chairman after beating Felix Omondi.

Veteran boxing administrator Albert Matito, who was Kenya’s “Hit Squad” team manager in the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, was elected unopposed as the secretary.

Matito will be assisted by Julius Odhiambo.

Ratib Farjalllah and Lawrence Jaoko are the new treasurer and competition secretary respectively after they sailed through without any opposition.

Kennedy Sunday was voted in as the assistant treasurer while Erick Oliech, Oliver Jaoko and Titus Dache are the new committee members.

While declaring his interest for the top seat, Ombok said that he will use his decade-long experience as a boxer to change the sport.

“I want to take boxing in this country to the next level and I believe I have what it takes to be the next BAK president,” said Ombok.

He said it was shocking that boxers participating in the local competitions lack basic kits such as gloves, ropes and other training gears.

“BAK has outlived its usefulness. It is high time we have a new leadership which will ensure all the clubs have basic equipment to nurture the talents.”

“It is sad that during national league and other competitions in Kisumu we import referees and judges from Nairobi as if we don’t have people who could be trained to do such tasks.”