Athletics Kenya Central Rift chairman Abraham ‘Solo’ Mutai has dismissed claims that he has been suspended from office, describing the reports as unverified rumours circulated by what he termed “cowards.”
Regional committee members, led by secretary Kennedy Tanui, suspended Mutai on Friday over allegations of office misuse and gross misconduct.
However, Mutai has rejected the decision, insisting that he remains the duly elected chairman and that his office is fully operational.
“I want to say that those who did that are idlers and busybodies. I insist that I am the chairman duly elected by the people and my office remains fully operational,” Mutai said.
He questioned the process through which the alleged suspension was communicated, saying he had not received any formal letter outlining the grounds for the action.
“If they were serious, they should have served a substantive letter and explanations provided outlining the alleged grounds for my removal,” he said.
Mutai further argued that any attempt to remove or suspend an elected official must follow the constitution and established procedures governing due process.
“Since Friday’s meeting, there has been no formal communication on the alleged grounds for such action. Any attempt to remove or suspend an elected official must be anchored in the Constitution and established procedures governing due process,” he said.
He maintained that his office would continue operating and carrying out its responsibilities.
“My office remains fully operational and focused on its mandate. Central Rift is an athletics powerhouse, and the sport currently has matters of far greater consequence demanding collective attention, including the hosting of the World Championships in 2029 and other major events in a busy international calendar,” Mutai said.
The Central Rift region covers some of Kenya’s most prominent athletics centres and serves as a major pipeline for elite and emerging runners.
Athletics Kenya headquarters had yet to issue an official communication on the matter at the time of publication.