Sports Disputes Tribunal orders Gor Mahia to hold elections in 90 days

The Sports Disputes Tribunal has ruled that Gor Mahia’s current Executive Committee is holding office illegally. The ruling, issued on January 15, 2025, follows a claim filed by Bernard Agwera Omolo, a club member, alleging that the committee’s term expired on August 8, 2024, but the officials have continued to operate unlawfully.

The tribunal, chaired by Gabriel Ouko, determined that the Executive Committee violated both the club’s constitution and the Sports Act, 2013, by failing to conduct elections within the required four-year term. The committee also disregarded multiple directives from the Registrar of Sports to hold elections and amend the club’s constitution to align with national and international statutes.

The case highlighted a series of governance failures, including the lack of Annual General Meetings (AGMs) during the committee’s term and the absence of a Board of Trustees, a key oversight body mandated by the club’s constitution.

In its ruling, the tribunal declared the committee’s actions unlawful and ordered elections to be held within 90 days. To ensure continuity, the current officials will remain in office temporarily, but their tenure must not exceed the 90-day period. The tribunal further instructed that only members registered by March 31, 2025, will be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections.

“This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to proper governance and legal frameworks in sports organizations,” the tribunal stated, adding that failure to conduct timely elections undermines the integrity of sports governance.

The tribunal also emphasized the need for Gor Mahia Football Club to comply with the Sports Act and its constitution to restore trust and stability. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2025, to monitor progress in implementing the orders.