A major setback has hit Cricket Kenya’s embattled officials Manoj Patel and Kennedy Obuya after a sports tribunal issued orders barring them from taking part in the federation’s activities. The ruling effectively locks the duo out of office ahead of the much-anticipated elections, which were rescheduled to October 19.
The decision follows weeks of turmoil within the federation over allegations of financial misconduct and governance breaches. The two officials had been under investigation for their involvement in a KSh26.7 million scandal linked to suspected embezzlement and money laundering.
In its ruling, the tribunal prohibited the two from accessing Cricket Kenya offices or handling any federation property until their case is concluded. The order also prevents them or their associates from issuing instructions to the organization’s staff or financial institutions and from using any of Cricket Kenya’s intellectual property, including logos, letterheads, and seals. Additionally, the tribunal barred them from making public statements on behalf of the federation or claiming to represent it in any capacity.
This ruling reinforces a resolution passed by the board on September 24, in which a majority of members voted no confidence in Patel and Obuya. The board had earlier directed the federation’s secretary to notify banks and other stakeholders of the decision to prevent unauthorized transactions. Despite these measures, the duo attempted to appoint new officials, including naming Walter Trenk Mukinginyi as acting CEO to gain control over the federation’s accounts—a move now nullified by the tribunal’s injunction.
Their faction had also issued several public statements using Cricket Kenya’s official letterheads, further deepening confusion within the sport’s governing body. Efforts by Patel and Obuya to participate in a recent Ministry of Sports meeting were rebuffed, with ministry officials recognizing only the existing leadership under CEO Ronald Bukusi.
Mukinginyi and his faction of alleged board members have since been excluded from key engagements with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and government representatives. Both the ICC and the Sports Ministry are expected to attend the postponed Special General Meeting to oversee the election of the Vice Chairperson and ensure compliance with the Sports Act.
Delegates from county associations have been urged to regularize their registration before the main executive elections next year to maintain eligibility to participate in Cricket Kenya’s activities. Meanwhile, investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations into the alleged financial scandal involving Patel and Obuya remain ongoing.
