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Muthee resigns as KRU chairman


Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Mwangi Muthee has resigned from this role with immediate effect.The outgoing chair cited “irreconcilable differences” with his colleagues at the Ngong Road based institution as the reason for his sudden decision to end his four year tenure.

Muthee also hinted that he was walking away because of grave allegations of corruption and mismanagement leveled against the directors of the Union, which have since been followed up by grave concerns from the team’s financial partners.

“I am glad and proud to have served our game and country for close to four years. My efforts went into developing the game towards a world class status as well as its expansion throughout the country. I will always be very satisfied with my contribution and fond of all those in our country and abroad who gave me support in achieving the goals,” Muthee said in a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday afternoon.

“The events of recent past, however, compel me to vacate the position because I feel my agenda of driving the game further was being derailed. Most of all, in my opinion, some of the Board members’ integrity was not beyond reproach, threatening to bring the game into disrepute,” he added.

Muthee’s departure comes in the wake of the national sevens team’s below par outings at the IRB Sevens series in Dubai, Gold Coast and South Africa, alongside the abrupt resignation of the team’s South African coach Paul Treu.

On Monday, two Union directors, Godwin Karuga (director in charge of commercials) and Maurice Masiga (Co-opted board member) also resigned terming their continued stay in office untenable.

UNION BOARD TO MEET

The Union secretary Eddie Omondi described Muthee’s resignation as unfortunate but said the union remains functional for all intents and purpose.

Omondi said the Board will now convene an urgent meeting before the end of the week to choose among themselves who takes over in acting capacity.

Muthee, who floored then incumbent Richard Omwela to become chairman in 2011, described his first two years as chairman as remarkable as the Kenyan game made tremendous strides, including massive support by sponsors.

“Kenyan rugby posted epic performances, especially by the Kenya Sevens that reached the semi-finals of the Sevens Rugby World Cup as well finishing fifth overall in the IRB Sevens World Series in 2012/2013,” said Muthee.

During his tumultuous tenure Muthee championed the birth of new constitutional order aimed at inclusivity of regional organisations and also granting them semi-autonomy entrenched in the constitution. “This was scuttled at the Board,” he said.

Muthee thanked individuals and firms that supported KRU during his tenure including Kenya Airways, Safaricom Limited, East Africa Breweries Limited and Bamburi Cement among others.