A high-level intervention is underway to address the growing crisis within Cricket Kenya (CK), as the government and International Cricket Council (ICC) step in to mediate between two warring factions of the board, each claiming control of the national governing body. The divisions have severely disrupted the sport’s administration and raised alarm over financial accountability and international credibility.
According to a report by Nation Sport, Kenya’s Ministry of Sport has summoned all nine Cricket Kenya board members to a mediation meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The session will be followed by a separate engagement involving ICC officials, led by ICC Africa Regional Development Manager Justine Ligyalingi, as concerns mount over the impact of the dispute on cricket’s development in Kenya.
The standoff began in August, when a rift developed between two groups within the CK board. One faction — consisting of CEO Ronald Bukusi and board members Pearlyne Omamo, Thomas Odoyo, Mary Maina, Beryl Oyugi, Pauline Njeri, and Tariq Iqbal — opposed the launch of a Twenty20 league backed by Dubai-based AOS Sports, citing lack of ICC approval and governance concerns. The remaining two board members, Chairman Manoj Patel and Acting Treasurer Kennedy Obuya, pushed ahead with the tournament, claiming majority support through a group of 32 county officials calling themselves the “CK Supreme Council.”
Governance crisis escalates amid tournament dispute
The tournament deal with AOS Sports, signed in April and reportedly worth KSh 255 million (approximately US $2 million), became the flashpoint for deeper governance issues. On September 11, the majority faction terminated the agreement, alleging breaches including bribery attempts and lack of transparency.
The following day, Manoj and Obuya, backed by the “Supreme Council,” approved the tournament and issued compulsory leave notices to Bukusi and Odoyo, accusing them of gross misconduct. The Manoj-led group then installed Walter Trenk as interim CEO and announced a new board lineup.
However, Bukusi and his faction dismissed the authority of the “Supreme Council,” continued to operate from the CK headquarters at Ruaraka Sports Club, and maintained control of day-to-day operations. Both groups have since claimed legitimacy, intensifying the standoff and drawing scrutiny from the ICC.
Ministry steps in as criminal probe unfolds
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed the government’s involvement in resolving the crisis and denounced the impact of internal wrangles on player development:
“We can’t allow a situation where we have good players, good talents and then some people are holding the entire talent inspiration at ransom,” he said as quoted by Nation Sport.
The ministry’s intervention coincides with ongoing investigations into financial irregularities at CK. According to a summon letter reviewed by Nation Sport, both Manoj and Obuya were summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over the alleged misappropriation of KSh 26 million (approx. US$ 201K) The summons, dated September 26, followed a Finance Committee audit report released in May and instructed Obuya to appear on October 2 and Manoj on October 3.
ICC’s concerns raise stakes
Sources told Nation Sport that the ICC has expressed concern over the continued instability at Cricket Kenya and will be closely involved in the resolution efforts. The ICC’s participation signals the seriousness of the issue, which could affect Kenya’s standing in international cricket if unresolved.
As the sport teeters on the edge of administrative collapse, this week’s meetings may determine whether Cricket Kenya can reunify under a single, functional leadership — or continue down a path of division and disruption.
