New KRU boss Harriet Okach vows accountability amid ongoing investigations
Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okach (right) addresses the media alongside Vice Chairman Moses Ndale at RFUEA ground on June 11, 2025.
What you need to know:
- She also announced structural changes to domestic competitions, revealing that the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS)—a second-tier competition for Kenya Cup clubs since 1962—will be transformed into an Under-20 league starting next season.
- Okach noted that financial constraints have made it increasingly difficult for clubs to field two teams, leading to numerous walkovers in the ESS over the past three years.
Newly appointed Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairperson Harriet Okach has said that any board member found guilty of forgery or corruption will be required to step down immediately.
Speaking on Wednesday during her first official media engagement since taking office on June 5, Okach confirmed that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have already questioned several board members and KRU secretariat officials, including Chief Executive Officer Thomas Odundo.
“We’re waiting for more direction from the sleuths and other agencies handling investigations. Yes, we were summoned as KRU and asked to submit documents for specific periods,” said Okach at RFUEA grounds.
“The documents were submitted in person, and different people have been called from the board,” she added. “We are waiting for whoever, and we shall continue cooperating with them.”
Okach assumed leadership following the resignation of Alexander “Sasha” Mutai on May 30 during a Special General Meeting (SGM).
Among the SGM's key agenda items was a motion of no confidence in Mutai, brought forward by Kisumu Rugby Club and backed by 14 other clubs over concerns about governance.
At the press briefing, Okach was accompanied by CEO Odundo, vice chairman Moses Ndale, secretary general Ray Olendo, and directors Leslie Mwangale and Moses Mukabane.
Tensions had simmered within the board long before the leadership change. Mutai had been at odds with Olendo since the March 2023 elections.
The situation escalated when Olendo was suspended from the board on August 4, 2023, for allegedly submitting a forged Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) document during the elections.
However, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) ruled in Olendo’s favour on March 5, 2025, declaring the suspension illegal and a nullity. The tribunal also clarified that it was not its mandate to rule on potential breaches of data privacy concerning the CRB document.
“The SDT ruled in my favour, and the DCI too found out that the CRB documents were genuine,” said Olendo. “There have been a series of allegations back and forth, but be assured that I will be giving substantive statements to answer them—and I have backing documents.”
Meanwhile, the KRU board had moved to suspend Mutai on May 5 over alleged financial malpractice—claims Mutai dismissed and vowed to legally challenge during the SGM.
Despite the turbulent transition, Okach struck a conciliatory tone, pledging to lead with humility and commitment while acknowledging her predecessor’s contributions.
“We shall implement the 2024–2028 strategic plan Mutai helped craft,” said Okach.
She also announced structural changes to domestic competitions, revealing that the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS)—a second-tier competition for Kenya Cup clubs since 1962—will be transformed into an Under-20 league starting next season.
Okach noted that financial constraints have made it increasingly difficult for clubs to field two teams, leading to numerous walkovers in the ESS over the past three years.