The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) elections, initially scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, were abruptly called off on Wednesday afternoon following intervention from the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT).

The decision throws the leadership transition of the national Olympic body into uncertainty, just hours before voting was set to commence.

The SDT’s action was triggered by a petition filed by fourteen sports federations, who challenged the eligibility of delegates from a rival camp.

Acting SDT chairperson Njeri Onyango issued a temporary injunction, effectively putting the entire election agenda on hold pending a full hearing and determination of the matter.

The SDT directed that the NOC-K Annual General Meeting (AGM) proceed as planned, but without conducting the elections.

The petitioning federations, which include prominent bodies such as Athletics Kenya, Kenya Volleyball Federation, and Kenya Rugby Union, are seeking clarification from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and NOC-K regarding the interpretation of the NOC-K Constitution and the 2025 Election Rules and Regulations. The core of the dispute centers on the eligibility criteria for delegates participating in the electoral process.

With the elections postponed, the race to succeed Paul Tergat, who has served as NOC-K president for two terms, is now in limbo. NOC-K first vice president Shadrack Maluki and secretary general Francis Mutuku are the sole candidates vying for the top position.

The SDT is slated to hear the case on April 24, where further directions will be given, charting the path forward for the delayed elections and the future leadership of NOC-K. The outcome of the tribunal’s deliberations will have significant implications for the governance and direction of sports in Kenya.

ALSO READ: Faith Kipyegon targets historic sub-4 minute mile in Paris on June 26