Western Jaguars raise questions over Butali Warrior's unfulfilled match

As the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) leagues enter the final stretch, KHU finds itself at the center of controversy as Western Jaguars raise concerns over the rescheduling of a crucial Premier League match.

The letter, dated 15th February 2024, outlines grievances regarding the rescheduled match between defending champions Butali Warriors and KCA University, originally set for 27th January 2024.

According to the Jaguars through Ken Ashimosi the Club Secretary, Butali failed to honor the rescheduled match, leading to KCA being awarded three points as per the International Hockey Federation (FIH) rules.

However, according to the Kakamega-based side, a recent media report from Citizen Digital alleges that the KHU President unilaterally rescheduled the match for 18th February 2024, prompting Jaguars to seek clarification on the matter.

"As stakeholders and participants in the Kenya Hockey Union Premier League, we are concerned and shocked about the reports in the media specifically, Citizen Digital on 15th February 2024 about the rescheduling of the above-mentioned match unilaterally by the President of Kenya Hockey Union. Please confirm if this allegation is the true position of Kenya

Hockey Union. If the same is true, kindly explain to us what criteria were used to reach such a unilateral decision to have the match to be scheduled for 18th February 2024." wrote Ashimosi.

The letter questions the criteria used for the unilateral decision and expresses concern about potential preferential treatment towards Butali. Notably, Jaguars argue that financial constraints, cited as the reason for Butali's non-appearance, should not be considered a fundamental ground for rescheduling matches in the premier league.

Further scrutiny is placed on the appeal process initiated by Butali . Jaguars demand transparency, seeking details on how the appeal was handled, which committee participated in the process, and the outcome of the decision.

They explicitly request the minutes of the appeal sitting for clarity and fairness.

The letter concludes with a firm demand for KHU to share the proceedings and decision of the executive committee that handled the appeal, urging the immediate cancellation of the proposed match rescheduling by 16th February 2024 at 10:00 EAT.

Western emphasize that failure to provide the requested documents and rescind the proposed match rescheduling will lead them to seek legal redress to ensure fairness and integrity in the management of the Hockey Premier League.

The unfolding drama in the KHU Premier League signals potential legal battles on the horizon as teams strive for transparency and justice in the pursuit of the 2024 title.

"Please take note that we hereby DEMAND that you share the proceedings and decision of the executive committee that heard and determined the appeal together with minutes thereon and the proposed rescheduling of the match as communicated by the President of

KHU be immediately receded or cancelled by 16th February 2024 at 10.00 EAT.

Kindly further note that FAILURE to receive the above-mentioned documents and receding the proposed match as stated we shall proceed to seek legal redress to ensure fairness, and integrity in the management of the Hockey Premier League and preservation of the rule of law and administrative justice is fully adhered to." read the statement.

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Butali Warriors lead the men's Premier League standings with 39 points and Western Jaguars are placed second with 34 points with three matches to the end of the 2023 season.