Athletics Kenya Central Rift in Leadership Turmoil as Abraham Mutai Suspended

Athletics Kenya’s Central Rift region has been thrown into a leadership dispute after chairman Abraham Mutai was suspended by members of the regional executive committee.

According to a report by Daily Sport, 15 members representing the Central Rift region met in Eldoret and unanimously resolved to suspend Mutai, citing allegations of abuse of office and conduct they said had portrayed the federation negatively. The allegations remain claims by the regional members and have not been independently established. 

The resolution has seen Central Rift vice chairman Joseph Boit assume the chairmanship on an interim basis as the region awaits direction from the Athletics Kenya national office.

The members reportedly said the decision followed consultations over Mutai’s leadership and alleged activities that they considered detrimental to the reputation of Athletics Kenya. Secretary Kennedy Tanui read the resolution on behalf of the members.

The regional officials also indicated that questions surrounding Mutai’s alleged association with groups perceived to be promoting negative activities against Athletics Kenya would be left to the national office to address. 

The suspension marks a significant development in the administration of athletics in the Central Rift, a region that covers some of Kenya’s most prominent athletics centres and serves as a major pipeline for the country’s elite and upcoming runners.

Mutai’s record in Central Rift athletics

Mutai has served as a prominent Athletics Kenya official in the region for several years and has been involved in the organisation and oversight of major athletics events in Eldoret and surrounding counties.

In 2021, while serving as Central Rift chairman, Mutai raised concerns over the readiness of Kipchoge Keino Stadium to host Kenya’s Olympic trials ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. He warned that delays in the stadium renovations could force the region to lose the opportunity to host the national trials. 

He has also been involved in major cross-country competitions. In February 2025, Mutai served as chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Athletics Kenya National Cross-Country Championships held at Eldoret Sports Club. The competition attracted more than 500 athletes selected from different Athletics Kenya regions and affiliates. 

In August 2023, Mutai was also involved in preparations for the Devolution Conference athletics events in Eldoret, where he said thousands of athletes had registered for the races. He also announced plans for an athletics Hall of Fame in Eldoret to honour Kenyan athletes who had won medals at international competitions. 

His work has extended to the fight against doping. In an Athletics Integrity Unit programme focusing on integrity in Kenyan athletics, Mutai was among officials accompanying AIU head Brett Clothier during engagements with athletes and coaches in the North Rift. 

The latest leadership dispute therefore comes at a time when the Central Rift remains an important centre for Kenya’s athletics development, with athletes from the region continuing to feature prominently in national and international competitions.

The regional committee’s decision is now expected to draw the attention of the Athletics Kenya national office, which will determine the next steps regarding the suspension and the leadership of the Central Rift region.

Until the national office makes a determination, Boit is expected to continue serving as interim chairman, according to the regional resolution reported by Daily Sport.