Gor Mahia treasurer accuses chairman of delaying elections to extend his tenure

Dolfina Odhiambo during press conference in Nairobi

By Erick Kariuki
Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Gor Mahia’s treasurer, Dolphina Odhiambo, has accused club chairman Ambrose Rachier of deliberately delaying elections to extend his tenure unlawfully. However, a ruling by the Sports Disputes Tribunal has now cleared the way for elections within 90 days, a decision Odhiambo fully supports. As the club prepares for a leadership transition, Odhiambo has declared her intention to run for the chairman’s seat, while Rachier maintains that the club will comply with the tribunal’s

Gor Mahia's treasurer, Dolphina Odhiambo, has publicly accused club chairman Ambrose Rachier of deliberately delaying the club's election process in a bid to extend his tenure unlawfully. Odhiambo claims the elections, which were due to take place in August 2024, have been held up by Rachier in a clear attempt to remain in power.

However, a recent ruling by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) has now cleared the way for the FKF Premier League giants to conduct elections within the next 90 days, a decision Odhiambo has fully welcomed.

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"The elections should have taken place last August, but the chairman deliberately delayed them to extend his term illegally," Odhiambo said in an exclusive interview. She further criticised Rachier's leadership, arguing that the club has stagnated since his tenure in 2008.

"For 16 years, the club has struggled in nearly every aspect - development, squad stability, and financial management. We've had an endless cycle of coaches and repeated FIFA cases over contract breaches," Odhiambo continued, adding that the SDT's ruling has provided clarity and a pathway for Gor Mahia's future. "The entire Gor Mahia fraternity is eager to see elections proceed as directed within the 90 days. We expect the process to be democratic and transparent, bringing in fresh leadership to guide the club forward."

Odhiambo, however, acknowledged Rachier’s past contributions to the club. "His leadership has helped the club navigate many challenges, but it is time for a new vision to steer Gor Mahia into its next chapter," she stated, signalling her intention to run for the chairman’s position in the upcoming elections. "I will be vying for the chairmanship of Gor Mahia. I appreciate that the elections are now being organised, but the tribunal has ruled that the chairman is not eligible to seek re-election. If he insists on running, we are prepared to face him at the ballot."

Rachier, speaking during the unveiling of new head coach Sinisa Mihic, confirmed the club's commitment to adhering to the SDT's directive. "We are fully prepared to comply with the tribunal's directive. On Tuesday, we will appear before the tribunal for a mention, after which we will announce a clear election roadmap and invite interested candidates," Rachier stated.

Despite the looming elections, Rachier urged the Gor Mahia family to remain focused on the club's main objective -winning the league. "We cannot let election matters overshadow our main objective, which is winning the league. Everything should be handled responsibly," he said.