Sasha Mutai steps Down as Kenya Rugby Union Chairman

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Sasha Mutai has stepped down from his role on the day the union met for a Special General Meeting at the RFUEA Grounds.

In a statement dated Friday, May 30, 2025, Mutai said he resigned after finding his position untenable while working with members hellbent on hounding him out of office.

“There was an SGM, and some members were looking to reject me as chair of the KRU for allegations of dictatorship and the rest. I decided to tender my resignation today as the chairman. There are certain things I cannot compromise, such as my integrity,” he said.

He went further to accuse some unnamed member of ganging up against him, stressing that he leaves with his head held up high.

“For the two years I had an opportunity to be chair of Rugby Union, I did my best. Unfortunately, members of my board had issues of integrity; three board members had used forged CRB certificates, and two members who had refused to vacate office after they had reached their term limits, and they all ganged up. It is democracy, and I leave with my head held up high. Also, in terms of my integrity, I am in rugby forever.

“I have played the game, I have captained a few sides, I have been director, vice chairman, and now as chairman, I leave with my head held high because of what I have managed to do,” he stated.

His resignation is, however, perceived as forced given the prevailing happenings around the rugby board.

Reports indicate that members were due to present a vote of no confidence against him, prompting his resignation to avoid an undignified ouster. In a typical boardroom tussle, members had placed Mutai at the centre of allegations relating to misappropriation of the board’s funds.

The board is also understood to be seeking his immediate suspension.

The chair’s throwing in the towel also comes a day after World Rugby wrote to the Board of Kenya Rugby Union, citing concern with governance issues around the management of the sport in the country.Varsity 7s National Championship organizing team led by Lily Kwaka (R) and Ali Mbaraka (second right), KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai (C) and Shujaa assistant coach Louis Khisia (second left) at the Mediamax offices. PHOTO/Philip Kamakya

The global rugby body referenced “reports of alleged serious governance and control failings that we understand have even reached the floor of the Kenyan Senate.”

“Dear Members of the Board of the Kenya Rugby Union, 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,” part of the WR statement read.

“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. Kenya is a key pillar in African rugby, and we believe it has the potential to lead the way in demonstrating excellence both on and off the field,” the statement continued.

Mutai was elected unopposed as president during the KRU’s elections at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi.

He survived an ouster attempt from office after the Sports and Dispute Tribunal nullified his suspension by the KRU board on March 23, 2025.