KRU Makes Several Appointments at SGM

Several appointments were made at the Kenya Rugby Union during a Special General Meeting where Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai was elected as the new vice chairman.He had tied with Sadik Makii but won 26-14 the second time.

Some of the interesting appointments is that of Rajinder (Reg)Singh Sembi, a former Kenya back row to the newly formed Commercial Services Committee. He is behind the success of Western Bulls in the Eric Shirley Shield League. Also names in the same committee is Njoki Waiganjo.

Paula Lanco has replaced caroline Mugadi as the director in charge of women’s rugby. The appointment of the two women atones for the absence of any women representative when the last annual general meeting was held.

Rod Evans, the last coach of the touring East African Tuskers in 1983 was mooted to take charge of Higher Performance director of the CAR Cup and World Cup qualification-chasing Kenya team. Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno remains as the head coach.

The development committee has a former Kenya sevens coach Ham onsando who has also been appointed in the same capacity for the Elgon Warriors, a combined Kenya and Uganda side to play English Counties in June. This committee which is headed by Isaac Mwangi also has a former Kenya back row Richard ‘kabuti’ Coate.

Also, several clubs (mainly up country and colleges) were accorded full KRU affiliation status. These are Kenya Polytechnic University, Multimedia University, Catholic University, Thika RFC, Portland Stormers, Spartans and Shepherds.

This follows a voting pattern where these affiliates have become the new voter-hunting ground.

Elsewhere, the announcement by the Sports Minister that they will renegotiate the sponsorship deal between East Africa Breweries Limited and the national soccer team could have further reaching effects to rugby.

The Government admitted that the sponsorship deal was skewed to favor EABL who alleged one of the components allowed them to use the pictures of the players for advertisement. Dennis Oliech, the Harambee Stars captain disagreed and raised the flag when his photo was used in a bill board.

The national seven-a-side players, sponsored by Kenya Airways have had their pictures on billboards possibly with no direct benefit for the players.

 Eric Odanga

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