A group of Kenyan rugby clubs is upset over the Kenya Rugby Union’s (KRU) decision to recall a notice for a crucial Annual General Meeting (AGM).
A letter from the Honorary Secretary dated April 2 announced the scheduling of an AGM on Friday, May 3, 2024, at RFUEA Grounds.
The meeting’s agenda included reviewing and considering the audited financial statements for 2023, appointing auditors for 2024, adopting the strategic plan for 2024-2028, and addressing motions by Kisumu Rugby Football Club and Bungoma Rugby Football Club.
However, the KRU board issued a recall notice signed by several members of the board last Friday and stated that they would replace it with a Special General Meeting (SGM).
This sudden change has left several clubs dissatisfied, questioning the board’s transparency and intentions.
“The sudden cancellation of the AGM and the alleged manipulation involving electronic signatures have led to an inevitable question: What is the KRU board trying to hide?” the clubs said in a statement.
“This decision has not only thrown the union into disarray but has also raised serious questions about the board’s transparency and intentions.”
The club’s who are threatening to not skip Rugby Super Series added that the timing and manner of the recall were suspicious, suggesting potential issues or mismanagement within the board.
“The timing and manner of these actions are suspicious at best, implying that there may be issues or mismanagement within the board that are being kept from the public eye and the wider rugby community ,” the statement added.
The clubs further criticized the KRU board for ignoring administrative and financial concerns raised by members, arguing that this undermines the board’s integrity and accountability.
“The failure of the KRU board to address various administrative and financial issues raised by clubs further fuels this speculation. These concerns have been systematically ignored, raising alarms about the integrity and accountability of those at the helm of Kenyan rugby.”
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They called for an impartial investigation into the use of what they believe is unauthorized electronic signatures in canceling the AGM and demanded an explanation for the cancellation.
“The discontent among the clubs is palpable,” the statement continued. “There is a strong sense that enough is enough, and the current board has lost the moral and ethical right to govern the sport. The use of underhanded tactics to avoid an AGM—a fundamental right of the member clubs to participate in the governance of the union—has only served to confirm the worst fears of many.”
This incident follows a contentious 2024 KRU AGM, where members deferred the approval of the accounts, allowing Treasurer Dr. Joshua Aroni additional time to address concerns.
A motion of no confidence by Kisumu RFC and Bungoma RFC also led to the meeting’s adjournment amid protests from delegates, with a new date for a General Meeting set for May 3, 2024. The AGM was conducted under tight security.
