Western Jaguars seek SDT intervention amidst KHU Premier League controversy

In a dramatic turn of events, the ongoing controversy surrounding the rescheduling of the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Premier League match between Butali Warriors and KCA University has escalated to the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT).

Western Jaguars have filed a petition against KHU, naming Colonel (Rtd) Nahashon Randiek as the second respondent. Additionally, all KHU men's Premier League teams, with Wycliffe Ongori Momanyi the KHU Secretary General, Moses Majiwa the Matches and Fixtures Secretary , and Elina Shiveka the second Vice President, find themselves as interested parties in this legal battle.

The matter came before the tribunal through an urgent application dated 16th February 2024. Western Jaguars, acting as the petitioners/applicants, seek several orders from the tribunal, including a declaration of violation of constitutional articles and fair administrative action laws.

The tribunal, upon reviewing the application and supporting affidavit of Kennedy Mwinamo Ashimosi, issued several orders on 17th February 2024. Firstly, the tribunal certified the matter as urgent, acknowledging the pressing nature of the issues at hand. Secondly, a temporary injunction was issued, suspending the match between the Butali Warriors and KCA University, originally rescheduled for 18th February 2024.

Western Jaguars raise questions over Butali Warrior's unfulfilled match

Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa, presenting the certificate of urgency, outlined the alleged violations, including breaches of constitutional articles and fair administrative action laws by Randiek. Western Jaguars assert that the decision to reschedule the match on 15th February 2024 was not only a violation of natural justice principles but also an act of procedural impropriety, rendering it null and void ab initio.

The tribunal has mandated Western Jaguars to promptly serve the petition, the application, and supporting affidavit upon the respondents and interested parties. Furthermore, the matter is set to be mentioned on 20th February 2024 at 2:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.