Five time world cross country champion Paul Tergat has thrown will vie for presidency of the expected new look National Olympic Committee of Kenya.
Tergat, who won silver medals in the 10,000m at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games said the new reforms at NOCK that has paved way for elections under the new constitution has been a motivation for this move.
"After serving the nation as an athlete for more than two decades, today marks another new chapter as I join another race in my career.
"For a long time, I have watched from the periphery in as far as the management of sports is concerned. At times, I have played peripheral role just to ensure that the interests of athletes are taken care of," said Tergat, an International Executive Committee, IOC, member.
Waithaka Kioni also interested
The NOCK executive committee members ate humble pie and decided to unanimously vote for the adoption of the new constitution that among other changes barred the board from voting to avoid looming sanctions from the IOC.
The current board led by legendary athlete Kipchoge Keino was compelled earlier in the week by its affiliate members to pass the new statutes.
The new constitution effectively locks out the option of the executive committee voting as a bloc that gave them a huge advantage in retaining their positions.
Kipchoge has not declared publicly his intent to defend his seat but had previously indicated that he was serving his last term in office.
Either way an extension of his tenure may not be possible as the new constitution stipulates that all candidates vying for positions must be affiliated to a sports federation.
Kenya Volleyball Federation president Waithaka Kioni is the other known contender for the highest elective sports office.
With the election set for May 5, Tergat who is one of the most decorated long distance runners in history wants to foster unity as he rebuilds the body should he emerge the winner.
"My aim is to create a strong sense of togetherness in a bid to have a strong cohesion as Olympic family in this part of the world. I believe by offering the best to our sportsmen and women, we can finally create a feeling of inclusiveness.
"I am ready to serve the sporting fraternity and I am sure with my connections around the world, coupled with your support, we will take Kenyan sports to the next level," Tergat added.
