Athletics Kenya (AK) Central Rift regional chairman Abraham Mutai has dismissed reports of his suspension, maintaining that he remains legitimately in office as no formal communication was served and due process was ignored.
Describing the move as unconstitutional “sideshows” meant to derail the region’s athletics agenda, Mutai emphasised that leadership remains focused on preparations for major international competitions, including the 2027 World Championships in Beijing, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and hosting assignments in Nairobi for 2029.
“There is a procedure for suspending a member that was not followed, and as it stands, whatever has happened will attract disciplinary action,” Mutai said, placing blame on regional administration for acting without authorisation.
“My secretary, maybe, out of excitement, decided to try and do something that is not constitutional. That is an issue we will not take lightly,” he added.
Challenging his opponents to wait for scheduled elections rather than attempting unlawful removals, Mutai asserted that any action outside the constitutional framework will face internal disciplinary review through a newly formed committee.
AK Central Rift Vice Chairman Barnaba Kitilit backed Mutai’s stance, criticising the lack of consultation among regional executives.
“I was never consulted; nobody asked me, yet I’m the duly elected vice chairman of the Central Rift,” Kitilit noted.
The clash signals an emerging leadership dispute within the regional athletics governing body, with Mutai and his ally promising to challenge the purported suspension through official organisational channels.
