[Photo/kenyafreepress.com]
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya’s (NOCK) new look office will have Paul Kibii Tergat for a boss, taking over from Jeremiah Kioni, who served the position in an interim capacity after the May 5 elections were adjourned leaving the office vacant.
Tergat takes over the office that was held by fellow legendary runner Kipchoge Keino who has held the office since 1999 heading the national body for four terms.
The 49-year-old went to yesterday’s elective general assembly unassured of his seat as Kenya Swimming Federation’s Patrick Muya was in the lineup but failed to garner enough votes for his late registration to be accepted by the general assembly.
”I am delighted by this win as it gives me the feeling I got not long ago whenever I crossed the finish line in my races. I will work with the elected team to deliver a conducive environment for our athletes who should be our prime concern,” offered elect president Tergat.
He has vowed to end any infighting as that is not his agenda for the committee promising to lead a transparent office.
“I have the sports at heart and together with the new office, I will push for the development of each Federation with the youth in mind,” added Tergat.
Two court orders from the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) filed on Friday evening by James Maingi of Kenya Rowing and Canoe Association barred Bernard Ekumbo, Stephen Soi and James Chacha who had maintained a hard stance on being on the ballot.
The same order reduced the voters from the 20 member federations to 16 taking the voter’s tally to 19 from the expected 23.
It was a close call for the position of the secretary general position as the incumbent Francis K. Paul retained his seat with nine votes while his closest competitor Andrew Mudibo garnered eight. John Kilonzo got two.