Sports Registrar against merger of two warring Kabaddi federations

Sports Registrar Rose Wasike is against a decision by the Sports Disputes Tribunal to order the merging of two federations.

In a move that is likely to create chaos on the sports scene, the tribunal has ordered the two - Kenya Kabaddi Union and Kenya Kabaddi Federation to merge into one and hold elections.

But in her response to the tribunal, Wasike argued that the two are affiliated to different international organisations and forcing them to merge will create problems.

She said:”I have received the Sports Tribunal’s directive and I do not agree to the recommendations therein on the following grounds - that the two federations hold their events and world championships at different times and places.”

“Furthermore, the two federations have different guidelines from their international federations and play in different styles.”

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Wasike further said the tribunal’s recommendations erred by quashing the registration of Kenya Kabaddi Union which was the first to comply with the sports act and has brought the country to the limelight by finishing second worldwide.

She argued that if the recommendation is adhered to, the international body will withdraw its funding to the Kenya Kabaddi Union putting at risk past investment it had made in the union including training of players and technical officials.

Wasike also wants scheduled elections by the two bodies to be put on hold until the matter is resolved.

Wrangles in the two federations began last year and the matter was brought to the attention of the tribunal on 22 December 2022.

After hearing both sides, the tribunal recommended they go for a court guided arbitration and among the recommendations arrived at was for the two to be merged.

However, the registrar’s dispute is likely to block a merger move. The matter will be heard again on February 28 when new directions will be issued.