within the board are The coming weeks will likely determine whether the KRU can move forward with stability and a renewed sense of purpose or whether the internal turmoil will continue to hinder the development of rugby in Kenya
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Sasha Mutai is currently at the center of a storm of allegations that threaten his leadership and the reputation of the Union. The accusations against him paint a troubling picture of poor decision making, mismanagement, and breaches of protocol, with some board members now calling for his removal from office. These issues have raised concerns not only about Mutai’s leadership but also about the overall governance and future direction of rugby in Kenya.
One of the most pressing issues involves the hiring of Steve Sewe as the Kenya Sevens team manager. Mutai is accused of bypassing the proper procedures to hire Sewe and giving him a salary that exceeded the Union’s approved salary scale. The situation was further complicated by a significant logistical failure where five players were delayed in Canada, missing crucial time before the Vancouver 7s tournament. This caused the Union a loss of Ksh 1.35 million, and the team ended up losing all their games, making the event even more costly.
Another accusation against Mutai is that he attempted to interfere with the disciplinary process involving Sewe, an action seen as undermining the Union's ability to address internal issues transparently and fairly. Mutai is also under fire for allegedly pushing through a payment of Ksh 1.3 million to a company, Digital Brand Group, for the launch of the Super Series Rugby event. This deal was reportedly single-sourced, bypassing the usual tendering process, and raised questions about transparency and accountability in financial matters.
Additionally, Mutai, along with KRU Director Wanjiru Waria, is accused of leaking confidential documents to third parties without board approval, further straining trust within the Union. These actions have led to a growing sense of dissatisfaction among many within the board. There have also been allegations that Mutai has publicly defamed fellow board members, including the vice-chairman, honorary treasurer, and honorary secretary, which has contributed to a decline in public and sponsor confidence in KRU.
Mutai has been criticized for consistently making unilateral decisions that have resulted in significant financial and reputational damage to the Union. These decisions, combined with his controversial public statements, have led to a rift within the board, with nine board members now signing a motion of no confidence against him. The motion will be considered at the 2025 AGM, where a vote will determine whether Mutai remains in office or is removed.
Despite the mounting pressure, Mutai has dismissed the motion, claiming it is “time-barred” and that the meeting convened to suspend him was invalid. He insists that the secretary does not have the authority to call such a meeting and that the allegations against him are part of a "corruption fightback."
Adding to the controversy, Mutai has pointed to a lawsuit filed by honorary secretary Raymond Olendo against KRU in 2023, alleging legal fees. He claims that Olendo had confirmed ceasing to work with Orare and Company Advocates and that he had canceled the contract with the firm after his election. Mutai suggests that these legal issues played a role in the loss of a potential sponsorship deal for KRU in 2023, further complicating the Union’s financial situation.
As the situation unfolds, the KRU is facing a crucial moment in its history. The outcome of the upcoming AGM could have lasting consequences not only for Mutai’s future but for the entire direction of Kenyan rugby. The divisions within the board are clear, and the Union is at a crossroads. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the KRU can move forward with stability and a renewed sense of purpose, or whether the internal turmoil will continue to hinder the development of rugby in Kenya.