A controversy has erupted at Athletics Kenya (AK) following the suspension of Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai, who also serves as the federation's national head of marketing. The suspension, announced by AK's national head of competitions Kennedy Tanui, has exposed deep-seated tensions and supremacy battles within the sport's governing body. According to sources, these tensions have been simmering for months, with two factions emerging: one supporting the status quo and another pushing for sweeping reforms.
Mutai's suspension has raised questions about the delayed fresh elections at AK, with the last election held in 2013. In contrast, other African athletics giants have recently held successful elections, including Ethiopia, which elected athletics legend Sileshi Sihine as president in December 2024, and Uganda Athletics, which held its election in March 2026. Botswana Athletics Association also held its election in March 2023 and is set to hold another in March 2027.
Mutai has disputed the suspension, claiming he has not received formal communication and is still the chairman of Central Rift. He attributes the suspension to his persistent push for increased allocation of sponsor funds to sports development rather than administrative expenses. Mutai also alleges that the attempt to suspend him is part of a wider scheme to silence dissent in the federation, which governs over 13,000 athletes.
The Court of Appeal had given AK 90 days to review its constitution to align with the Sports Act 2013 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Although the federation collected views from stakeholders, the process was disputed, with legendary athlete Moses Tanui, a two-time Boston Marathon champion, among the petitioners. The petition revolved around the process undertaken in revising the constitution, with allegations that it violated several articles of the Constitution and the Act.
Kennedy Tanui announced that Mutai was being suspended due to alleged gross misconduct, including abuse of office, intolerance, and associating with individuals undermining the federation. Joseph Boit, the Uasin Gishu AK chairman, has been appointed to replace Mutai as head of Central Rift. However, Mutai's vice chairperson, Barnabas Kitilit, has expressed his support for the suspended chairman, citing the need for an inclusive new constitution.
The suspension has led to reports of blackmail, lucrative deals, and threats within AK, with stakeholders calling for dialogue. Athletics legends and external stakeholders are demanding immediate amendments to a controversial reviewed constitution to clear the path for an election. The crisis has raised concerns about the governance of athletics in Kenya, with many calling for a swift resolution to the impasse.
As the situation at AK continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the federation will address the underlying issues and move forward. The suspension of Mutai has highlighted the need for reforms and a new constitution, but it also raises questions about the future of athletics in Kenya. With the sport's governing body in disarray, athletes and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the crisis.
Key points
- The suspension of Abraham Mutai has exposed deep-seated tensions within Athletics Kenya, highlighting the need for reforms and a new constitution.
- The delay in holding fresh elections has raised concerns about the governance of athletics in Kenya.
- External stakeholders, including athletics legends, are calling for immediate amendments to the reviewed constitution to clear the path for an election.
