World Rugby has expressed deep concern over governance issues at the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) just days before its scheduled Annual General Meeting (AGM).
In a letter signed by David Carrigy, World Rugby’s Chief of International Federation, and addressed to the KRU Board, the global governing body highlighted serious governance and control failings within the Union—issues that have reportedly reached the floor of the Kenyan Senate.
World Rugby letter
The letter, which was also copied to key stakeholders including Hon. Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah, Rugby Africa Council Representative Paulina Lanko, and World Rugby’s RPM Africa lead Coralie Van Den Berg, emphasized that World Rugby is closely monitoring the unfolding situation.
“On behalf of World Rugby, I am writing to you to express our deep concern regarding the current governance challenges facing the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU). We are closely monitoring the situation and are aware of recent developments, including reports of alleged serious governance and control failings that we understand have even reached the floor of the Kenyan Senate,” reads part of the letter.
World Rugby also raised concern over the Union’s failure to respond to two earlier letters, dated 24 April and 22 May 2025, calling the lack of engagement troubling. The organisation pointed to ongoing internal conflict and the absence of a shared plan to resolve issues or enact reforms.
“This correspondence follows two previous letters… which to date have not received any response… It is evident that internal processes remain marred by persistent conflict, with little progress toward establishing a shared roadmap for conflict resolution, risk mitigation, or reform.”
The letter stresses the importance of stability, particularly as Kenya’s men’s and women’s Sevens teams continue to perform well internationally, offering significant opportunities for rugby development—opportunities that depend on sound and transparent leadership.
Ahead of the AGM scheduled for 30 May, World Rugby warned of the risk of a governance vacuum if board positions become vacant without a proper continuity plan. The body called for transparency and the sharing of accurate information to enable informed decision-making and protect the integrity and sustainability of the game in Kenya.
“We urge the KRU leadership to share full, transparent, and accurate information with all stakeholders… This is essential to enable informed decision-making and to safeguard the long-term integrity and sustainability of Kenyan rugby.”
World Rugby reiterated Kenya’s importance in African rugby and expressed the need for timely receipt of the official AGM minutes and outcomes. The letter noted that if governance issues persist without a clear resolution, World Rugby’s Executive Board may consider taking control of the Union or reviewing its membership status.
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A governance storm is also brewing internally, with push for removal KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai still on. A new motion, sponsored by Honorary Secretary Ray Olendo, accuses Mutai of misappropriating KES 13.2 million through fraudulent invoices submitted for services that claimed to have never been rendered.
The proposal seeks his immediate suspension and the tabling of a motion of no confidence at the upcoming AGM.
The matter has also reached the Senate, where Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called for urgent investigations into the Union’s operations, finances, and governance.
Speaking during a session last week, Sifuna requested a detailed report from the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, demanding a breakdown of sponsorship funds received between 2022 and 2025, corresponding expenditures, and an update on a report filed by Mutai with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) alleging fraud within the Union. The Senator also questioned whether all serving board members meet the legal and ethical qualifications to hold office.
KRU AGM postponed
In March, the KRU AGM was postponed following a Sports Disputes Tribunal directive that internal disputes be resolved through mediation before any further proceedings. The AGM was to be reconvened within 30 days.
This followed an earlier attempt to remove Mutai, which the Sports Disputes Tribunal III (SDT) blocked on 23 March 2025, declaring his suspension “illegal, null, and void.” The Tribunal found procedural violations in the attempt, including the unauthorized convening of meetings.
It ruled that only the Chairman, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, could call board meetings, making the notice issued by the Honorary Secretary unconstitutional.
