World Rugby Issues Strong Warning to Kenya Rugby Union Over Unending Wrangles

Besieged KRU chairman Alexander 'Sasha' Mutai. © Sasha Mutai Facebook.

World Rugby Issues Strong Warning to Kenya Rugby Union Over Unending Wrangles

Joel Omotto 13:20 - 30.05.2025

World Rugby has wedded itself into the conflict within Kenya Rugby Union, issuing a strong warning over the leadership wrangles that have divided top officials.

World Rugby has raised concerns over the leadership wrangles within the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) that have divided it in the middle.

The KRU board has an Annual general Meeting (AGM) on Friday but it will be done in a divided house that has seen chairman Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai ousted with a mediation process still not yielding fruit.

Mutai had been ousted in March by a section of the board members over what they termed integrity issues in his office while he has maintained that corruption is fighting back and heading to the AGM, it has been said that those opposed to him are keen to kick him out completely.

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This division has now reached ‘Bi Brother’ and World Rugby has written a strongly-worded letter to KRU, raising concerns over the pull and push.

“On behalf of World Rugby, I am writing to you to express our deep concern regarding the current governance challenges facing the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU). We are closely monitoring the situation and are aware of recent developments, including reports of alleged serious governance and control failings that we understand have even reached the floor of the Kenyan Senate,” reads part of the letter signed by David Carrigy, World Rugby’s Chief of International Federation.

World Rugby Concerned by Lack of Conflict Resolution Plan

Pulse Sports Kenya. KRU Chairman. KRU vice  chairman. KRU secretary general. Kenya Sevens.
Kenya Rugby Union chairman Sasha Mutai. Photo: Arigi Obiero [KRU]

The global rugby governing body has fingered KRU for not responding to two letters written to them on April 24 and May 22 over how they plan to resolve the conflict, emphasising the need for stability.

“This correspondence follows two previous letters… which to date have not received any response… It is evident that internal processes remain marred by persistent conflict, with little progress toward establishing a shared roadmap for conflict resolution, risk mitigation, or reform,” World Rugby further wrote.

World Rugby is concerned that there could be a governance vacuum within KRU if the conflict is not resolved which it feels will not bode well for the game given Kenya is a key stakeholder in Africa and the world thanks to the impressive performances of its national teams down the years.

“We urge the KRU leadership to share full, transparent, and accurate information with all stakeholders… This is essential to enable informed decision-making and to safeguard the long-term integrity and sustainability of Kenyan rugby,” said World Rugby’s letter.

The upheaval within KRU has seen secretary Ray Olendo table a fresh motion to kick Mutai from office at the AGM over claims that he misappropriated Ksh13.2 million through fraudulent invoices with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also weighing in on the matter by demanding an investigation into the union’s operations, finances and its officials.