In other news, the March editition of Adam Magazine features this blog as a "must read for every rugby fan". We acknowledge the recognition and will endeavor to improve and greatly further our little blog. We are greatly humbled by this and it only serves to make us realise that we are now fully in the public limelight. Thank you EAM and we won't let you down.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Rugby Team at State House
Well, well, apparently the sacarstic talk from the KRFU Chairman and his team did it. There were summons issued late last night and the team hastily assembled to meet with the President this morning for a flag handing over ceremony. I hope the least the Government can do is match the incentive offered by Safaricom!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Weekly Ramble
This week we were preoccupied with politics. Isn't it amazing how much people like politicking? For once we got overwhelming responses on the blog and I believe the people that matter now know about us. We will continue to be their sounding board and a voice on their shoulder. We will say what they don't want to hear and what people are afraid to say in their faces. Our work is not finished and we are here to stay.
Today I'm on the Chairman's side and will take a swipe at the Government. I don't understand these people in the Ministry of Youth and Sport and the Government as a whole. That Government policy is made on political whim and not common sense is plain to see. What's with all this effort to revive Harambee Stars and see them qualify for the World Cup when we all know it is a pipe dream? Even qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations with 16 teams is hard enough what of where only 5 will qualify? What is the difference between Volleyball and Rugby? Those are only two of the three sports that have ever qualified for a World Cup (and more than once). Volleyball gets government support, rugby doesn't! The minister(ess) was even smiling when saying "We will consider putting rugby on the rewards program". No guarantees or anything.
In my thinking, you may call it warped if you like, once you represent the country, you become an ambassador. Once you don the national colours, you are a symbol of the country. Without extolling the virtues of our giant killing heroes, I am simplifying it to the least. In some countries you are automatically put on the government payroll. You immediately receive a diplomatic passport. And you qualify for the handsome per diems that come with government jobs. Not so in Kenya. Our sports persons are not important. Unless they will lift your image in the public limelight and boost your political career. With constant government pledges on creating jobs for the youth and, as recently as yesterday, preserving a percentage of contracts for youth, what easier way to employ youth than by letting them play sports. And if they cannot do in themselves, why not incentivize corporates to do it for them? Sports worldwide are a very huge industry and don't imagine it is only players who earn from sports. From construction workers, maintenance and sanitation, ticket printers, fabric (uniform) manufacturers, security agencies, transporters, caterers, water vendors, drinks sales people, the list is endless. As an example, picture this. East African Breweries last year gave/spent Ksh. 28M on the Safari Sevens. That is one weekend of high octane sporting action. I don't know any other figures from other services sold/contracted e.g. hospitality tents and other sponsorship, but since I have not heard of any surplus declared from this event, I assume over Ksh. 30M was consumed in 3 days! Imagine several such weekends in a year.
With lack of such simple support or incentive, I will finish my gripe with the Kenyan Corporates. Why did it have to take Virgin Atlantic to show us the way sponsorship is supposed to work? In typical Kenyan fashion, EABL sponsored the 7's team in a lacklustre fashion, wanting to maximise on mileage for least input. Kenya Airways in turn said they were in the business of selling plane tickets, not giving them for free. I'm sure they're now sucking their big toes in shame. Even yesterday's sponsorship by Telkom, kudos to them by the way, came from Orange! And belatedly, as usual, Safaricom have jumped onto the bandwagon with offers of cash rewards for certain position finishes in the 7's World Cup. To me, I think the boys need just reward for what they go through everyday and not only when they win!
PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL
Watching Richard Omwela the newly re-installed Chairman of KRFU tell the recognised President of Kenya at a media press conference to continue sleeping in State House was sheer arrogance laced with disappointment especially when members of the team chipped in and cheered the Chairman in showing disrespect to the Head of State.
The KRFU have every right to feel slighted by the government. I am in agreement with them 100% when they cry and cry saying that they have not been properly recognised by the government for their efforts. That is indeed a sad state of affairs. Shame on you government of Kenya.
What I am not in agreement is the disrespect shown to H. E. Mwai Kibaki. So the question begs 'WHO IS THIS MAN RICHARD OMWELA?
Richard Omwela is the Chairman/President of the Kenya Rugby Football Union. He is also a Senior Partner at Hamilton Harrison and Mathews http://www.hhm.co.ke/hhmpartners.php?cat=15&sub=54. He is recognised as a very experienced and conversant commercial lawyer in Kenya. He has acted more often than not for the government of Kenya on many matters and one of the recognised nice pro-government lawyers. He is also the Director of Sevens of the Africa Rugby Confederation (ARC/CAR).
A committed Rotarian and member of Lions International he has also shown his humane side. It is also quietly whispered that he is member of the Lodge of Grandmasters that meets opposite Serena Hotel like many of his other '20,000 shilling learned friends'. Little is known of his social life but word has it he is indeed quite a charming charming man.
In terms of a rugby career, the man has been an armchair player. His first association with rugby was at the University of Nairobi in the late seventies when Mean Machine was in its formative years and was sending waves in the then Kenyan white dominated rugby world.
The short young man who had just landed from Western Province was mesmerised by the fanatiscm the rugby team drew from its band of loyal fans. So afraid of the unknown he retreated to the adjacent ground where he became an ardent supporter of the Red Brigade University soccer team and nationally Abaluhya Football club 'Ingwe'. He pursued his law studies with vigour as the ladies then never even afforded him a glance. He however continued to build his confidence in the city as well as repackaging himself.
After succesfully completing his law studies and being admitted to the bar, the young confident and now suave Omwela was employed (through connections of course) and life since then has never been the same as he was nurtured and tutored by the Mzungu's who put him through a few number of painful years as he sought to climb the corprate legal ladder. (That explains his disdain for them despite his very close association with them).
On the rugby front he had no playing career but quickly immersed himself on Ngong Road where he found sanctuary at Impala and Harlequins often playing the two clubs against each other.
A ruthless man he now was with dollars and cents filling his pockets as he schemed his way carefully to the top of the Kenya rugby scene building friends of convenience only to dump them Kibaki style. (No wonder he turned down the President).
Those strewn by the wayside include George Kariuki, Dennis Awori, Zack Oloo, John Loid, Sam Agutu, Alan Makitrick, Michael Muthee, Tom Oketch, James Owiro, Daveed Mshila and Aggrey Chabeda. The latter has at least has done a Saitoti and is more loyal than ever as he awaits to be annointed.
Omwela retained on Wednesay his seat having learnt tricks from the political class that only a fool loses his power from incumbency. Every possible trick was used to ensure that his rival Muthee looked totally out of place in the contest for the Chairman's seat. In the end, like the man he turned down and told to continue sleeping at State House his retained his seat while Muthee looked like Koigi Wamwere in the wrong race.
How then did Omwela get the courage to utter those words while we watched him at the press conference. Confidence of the man with the success of the 7's team behind him and a World Cup ahead, the KRFU's pet topic over the years has been no governement support for rugby. This he has never shied to repeat and has always used every occasion to bash the government at every opportunity. His lieutenants have picked up the cue as well.
Mind you Omwela has friends high within the corridors of power and if he can unlock doors at business levels then within government that should be of little trouble. However what can be said is that Omwela wants the KRFU to always depend on him to bail them out. He enjoys playing the Mr. Fix it role.
Behind the scenes Wednesday's 'elections' in reality gave Omwela fright as he was outrightly threatened by the campaign carried out by Mwangi. What scared Omwela was that even his mother club Impala had turned against him till he reminded Nduati where his loyalty lay. Hence the drama of two different endorsements by Impala.
The real threat however was the unknown stance taken by two members of the board Fred Odhiambo and Frank Sabwa. The two F's, Vice-Chairman and Secretary respectively have never hidden their dislike for Omwela but however chose to work with him for strategic reasons. The two votes they carried are what actually swung the victory for the incumbent. Had Muthee's voters not been disabled they would have added the killer punch that would have seen Omwela thrown out.
Omwela is very aware of this and now has one year to strategise on how to get rid of the two. Already names are being bandied on how to bring back three former directors into the fray as challengers to Fred Odhiambo and Frank Sabwa. The challengers would bring in the much needed corporate respect that he Union evidently lacks at the moment with the continued presence of the two. The accounts are also proving too much for Lukalo so a replacement is being head hunted.
The more you look at Richard Omwela the more he resembles Hon. Bonny Khalwale in face and in his one man crusade against the government. That takes us back to the question above 'WHO IS THIS MAN RICHARD OMWELA?
One thing for sure is neither he nor Kibaki have sleepless nights over each other.
The KRFU have every right to feel slighted by the government. I am in agreement with them 100% when they cry and cry saying that they have not been properly recognised by the government for their efforts. That is indeed a sad state of affairs. Shame on you government of Kenya.
What I am not in agreement is the disrespect shown to H. E. Mwai Kibaki. So the question begs 'WHO IS THIS MAN RICHARD OMWELA?
Richard Omwela is the Chairman/President of the Kenya Rugby Football Union. He is also a Senior Partner at Hamilton Harrison and Mathews http://www.hhm.co.ke/hhmpartners.php?cat=15&sub=54. He is recognised as a very experienced and conversant commercial lawyer in Kenya. He has acted more often than not for the government of Kenya on many matters and one of the recognised nice pro-government lawyers. He is also the Director of Sevens of the Africa Rugby Confederation (ARC/CAR).
A committed Rotarian and member of Lions International he has also shown his humane side. It is also quietly whispered that he is member of the Lodge of Grandmasters that meets opposite Serena Hotel like many of his other '20,000 shilling learned friends'. Little is known of his social life but word has it he is indeed quite a charming charming man.
In terms of a rugby career, the man has been an armchair player. His first association with rugby was at the University of Nairobi in the late seventies when Mean Machine was in its formative years and was sending waves in the then Kenyan white dominated rugby world.
The short young man who had just landed from Western Province was mesmerised by the fanatiscm the rugby team drew from its band of loyal fans. So afraid of the unknown he retreated to the adjacent ground where he became an ardent supporter of the Red Brigade University soccer team and nationally Abaluhya Football club 'Ingwe'. He pursued his law studies with vigour as the ladies then never even afforded him a glance. He however continued to build his confidence in the city as well as repackaging himself.
After succesfully completing his law studies and being admitted to the bar, the young confident and now suave Omwela was employed (through connections of course) and life since then has never been the same as he was nurtured and tutored by the Mzungu's who put him through a few number of painful years as he sought to climb the corprate legal ladder. (That explains his disdain for them despite his very close association with them).
On the rugby front he had no playing career but quickly immersed himself on Ngong Road where he found sanctuary at Impala and Harlequins often playing the two clubs against each other.
A ruthless man he now was with dollars and cents filling his pockets as he schemed his way carefully to the top of the Kenya rugby scene building friends of convenience only to dump them Kibaki style. (No wonder he turned down the President).
Those strewn by the wayside include George Kariuki, Dennis Awori, Zack Oloo, John Loid, Sam Agutu, Alan Makitrick, Michael Muthee, Tom Oketch, James Owiro, Daveed Mshila and Aggrey Chabeda. The latter has at least has done a Saitoti and is more loyal than ever as he awaits to be annointed.
Omwela retained on Wednesay his seat having learnt tricks from the political class that only a fool loses his power from incumbency. Every possible trick was used to ensure that his rival Muthee looked totally out of place in the contest for the Chairman's seat. In the end, like the man he turned down and told to continue sleeping at State House his retained his seat while Muthee looked like Koigi Wamwere in the wrong race.
How then did Omwela get the courage to utter those words while we watched him at the press conference. Confidence of the man with the success of the 7's team behind him and a World Cup ahead, the KRFU's pet topic over the years has been no governement support for rugby. This he has never shied to repeat and has always used every occasion to bash the government at every opportunity. His lieutenants have picked up the cue as well.
Mind you Omwela has friends high within the corridors of power and if he can unlock doors at business levels then within government that should be of little trouble. However what can be said is that Omwela wants the KRFU to always depend on him to bail them out. He enjoys playing the Mr. Fix it role.
Behind the scenes Wednesday's 'elections' in reality gave Omwela fright as he was outrightly threatened by the campaign carried out by Mwangi. What scared Omwela was that even his mother club Impala had turned against him till he reminded Nduati where his loyalty lay. Hence the drama of two different endorsements by Impala.
The real threat however was the unknown stance taken by two members of the board Fred Odhiambo and Frank Sabwa. The two F's, Vice-Chairman and Secretary respectively have never hidden their dislike for Omwela but however chose to work with him for strategic reasons. The two votes they carried are what actually swung the victory for the incumbent. Had Muthee's voters not been disabled they would have added the killer punch that would have seen Omwela thrown out.
Omwela is very aware of this and now has one year to strategise on how to get rid of the two. Already names are being bandied on how to bring back three former directors into the fray as challengers to Fred Odhiambo and Frank Sabwa. The challengers would bring in the much needed corporate respect that he Union evidently lacks at the moment with the continued presence of the two. The accounts are also proving too much for Lukalo so a replacement is being head hunted.
The more you look at Richard Omwela the more he resembles Hon. Bonny Khalwale in face and in his one man crusade against the government. That takes us back to the question above 'WHO IS THIS MAN RICHARD OMWELA?
One thing for sure is neither he nor Kibaki have sleepless nights over each other.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
BREAKING NEWS: Omwela it is!
image from www.hhm.co.ke
Richard Omwela has beaten his challenger Mwangi Muthee by 12 votes to 6. Certain clubs from whom Muthee was expecting votes from were disqualified at the last minute for not being properly affiliated to KRFU. The said clubs are Kisumu, Bungoma, Blak Blad and Kenya poly, still not enough to tilt the scales.Also elected as directors are Gordon Anampiu, Innocent Moturi and Willy Ombisi. There are thus no changes to the KRFU Board.
D-Day
Well, it's finally here. Why is it that every election in the past three years has had the same theme? Be it our own bungled presidential election to the US elections. From the Athletics Kenya elections and now to our own KRFU elections. All of a sudden, people seem to yearn for change, yet in my change management seminars and workshops, it is stated that change is what people will fear and resist the most! And to me the question still is, "What is really at stake here"? A comment on this blog said KRFU has no money, being a mere KSH 60M "Company". That to me is what I have whinged and whinged about. The elitism and aloofness at KRFU. I know 60M will change my life, heck, any percent of 60M will change my life, me being a mere mortal. I walk into the KRFU grounds, I don't drive any of those fuel guzzling monstrosities I find parked there (and they are many). When Githongo was asked what he thought signified a person who feels he has made it, he said buying a Rolex. To me, the defining point was the chaining off of parking that is used at best once a month by the "owners".
In the AK elections, the old money and old networks beat the yearning for change and the status quo prevailed. This time the KRFU elections are hanging on a knife edge. It could go either way, and once more if the result does not go the way of the incumbent, he would have lost, the other candidate would not have won. Personally, I concur with DM, everybody is to blame. We sit in dark corners day in day out complaining about the union and what they are doing wrong or not doing right. Yet nobody is willing to stand up and be counted. Hence the "weak" candidate presented to face the incumbent. With no track record to speak of despite having led a major club (the first indigenous rugby club in the country) and served on the KRFU board, he stands out more as a frightening rather than an inspiring option. However, he is also a schemer and a politician and is going to play fully on the Kenyan psyche. Talk of vote buying, false promises, PNU type altered documents and the huge expenditure.. well we know what will happen once he is in. He is building a constituency and supporters who must be appeased once he is in. However the incumbent is not and angel either. Using the union machinery to campaign by sending out mail and press releases as well as allegations of tampering with the voter register delegates list are rife. Appointments that were made just prior to the elections to key positions have resulted in the only public endorsement of this candidate by a club, and it is not surprising. And I will ask again, what really is at stake here? Would someone die or his ability to buy ugali change were he not the chairman of the union? I don't know..
My prediction. The status quo will remain. It will be a battle of the haves and the have nots. The comfortable clubs will vote for the incumbent, the disgruntled will vote for the challenger. At last count, the comfortable clubs were more (the old money and the old networks).
Keep it here for the breaking news, straight from the Election room later today!
Update 12:00 P.M. Scrutiny of the delegate's list ongoing. Both sides keen to ensure their delegates will vote. Allegations of manipulation abound.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST : THE REPLY
In true democratic fashion, something unheard of in Kenya (even the KRFU elections are being characterised by allegations of vote buying, parallel delegates, misuse of KRFU resouces to campaign for the incumbent chairman, threats to bar one candidate from the election, state infiltration, promises of kit, etc), here is the reply to the original post on CONFLICT OF INTEREST. This one possibly could be from the current topman himself.
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You are lucky you have run this under an anonymous tab… You probably are a broke guy and that’s why you don’t want the likes of the incumbent chairman running after you with libel suits. And you have absolutely no spine otherwise you would have told us who you so that we can debate with a traceable face. Be that as it may:
1. No one cares these days about Watembezi and whatever. They belong to another era – the era of the Mwangi Muthee where basic governance doesn’t matter. This is why he’s promising Mombasa Sports Club the Safari 7s 2010 and a return to Kenya Cup regardless of performance. If you must be reminded, it would have been possible for a Chairman to do such things in the Watembezi era but not today! In any case, that Watembezi era achieved NOTHING tangible for Kenya rugby.
2. The following are items of absolute rubbish –
3. (a) The Chairman is a director of companies that supply Kenya RFU – Which are these companies? What do they supply? KRFU is at best an SME. So what MAJOR supplies go there? KRFU is now being audited by Ernst & Young. We hope your silly views will be validated
4. (b) 30% of Postapay money was used to pay ‘Director Loans’. For the 2nd year in KRFU’s recent history, KRFU had surpluses – Why would it need ‘Director Loans’? When KRFU was in deficit, no one wanted to be its Chairman. Is its positive worth now attracting all sundry with vacuous schemes to spend the money?
5. (c) The Secretary continues to use a dubious agency. More nonsense! The KRFU Agent is Northline Uniglobe – very well respected and wasn’t involved in any U18 operations.
6. (d) The Director in charge of Grounds is the same one in charge of Referees. How could he belong to 2 different Clubs? This is the same hare lip thinking that portends great danger to Kenya Rugby. If you have anything to tell the Kenya Rugby fraternity, think it through!
7. (e) The General Manager is business partner of a Director and the Super Series Chairman? Halleluya! If the GM is the business partner of such a deluge of companies, what does he need KRFU for? Or is it because the ‘huge supplies’ that KRFU attracts. Absolute myopia! KRFU has just become a KES 60m company – less than US$ 1 million. If this seems a lot to you, then we don’t need your advise on who should be KRFU Chair!!
8. (f) Development Manager and GM have brought all manner of buddies and Club mates into the KRFU Secretariat. This Secretariat must be the hugest in the world! Much bigger than the NZRU, SARU, RFU, ARU and all the other foundation unions combined. Idiot!
9. I will not talk about Mwangi Muthee’s suitability for KRFU Chair for now but, let me just say that a person who chairs a club that has no playable rugby pitch and whose U20 players have no kit (as he prints campaign t-shirts) doesn't cut it for me. A Chair whose team practices with a boot because his team has no ball? Come on!
More to follow
Cribb for Friends of Kenya Rugby
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Very legal in response. As has been stated somewhere on the blog 'where there's smoke, there's....'
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You are lucky you have run this under an anonymous tab… You probably are a broke guy and that’s why you don’t want the likes of the incumbent chairman running after you with libel suits. And you have absolutely no spine otherwise you would have told us who you so that we can debate with a traceable face. Be that as it may:
1. No one cares these days about Watembezi and whatever. They belong to another era – the era of the Mwangi Muthee where basic governance doesn’t matter. This is why he’s promising Mombasa Sports Club the Safari 7s 2010 and a return to Kenya Cup regardless of performance. If you must be reminded, it would have been possible for a Chairman to do such things in the Watembezi era but not today! In any case, that Watembezi era achieved NOTHING tangible for Kenya rugby.
2. The following are items of absolute rubbish –
3. (a) The Chairman is a director of companies that supply Kenya RFU – Which are these companies? What do they supply? KRFU is at best an SME. So what MAJOR supplies go there? KRFU is now being audited by Ernst & Young. We hope your silly views will be validated
4. (b) 30% of Postapay money was used to pay ‘Director Loans’. For the 2nd year in KRFU’s recent history, KRFU had surpluses – Why would it need ‘Director Loans’? When KRFU was in deficit, no one wanted to be its Chairman. Is its positive worth now attracting all sundry with vacuous schemes to spend the money?
5. (c) The Secretary continues to use a dubious agency. More nonsense! The KRFU Agent is Northline Uniglobe – very well respected and wasn’t involved in any U18 operations.
6. (d) The Director in charge of Grounds is the same one in charge of Referees. How could he belong to 2 different Clubs? This is the same hare lip thinking that portends great danger to Kenya Rugby. If you have anything to tell the Kenya Rugby fraternity, think it through!
7. (e) The General Manager is business partner of a Director and the Super Series Chairman? Halleluya! If the GM is the business partner of such a deluge of companies, what does he need KRFU for? Or is it because the ‘huge supplies’ that KRFU attracts. Absolute myopia! KRFU has just become a KES 60m company – less than US$ 1 million. If this seems a lot to you, then we don’t need your advise on who should be KRFU Chair!!
8. (f) Development Manager and GM have brought all manner of buddies and Club mates into the KRFU Secretariat. This Secretariat must be the hugest in the world! Much bigger than the NZRU, SARU, RFU, ARU and all the other foundation unions combined. Idiot!
9. I will not talk about Mwangi Muthee’s suitability for KRFU Chair for now but, let me just say that a person who chairs a club that has no playable rugby pitch and whose U20 players have no kit (as he prints campaign t-shirts) doesn't cut it for me. A Chair whose team practices with a boot because his team has no ball? Come on!
More to follow
Cribb for Friends of Kenya Rugby
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very legal in response. As has been stated somewhere on the blog 'where there's smoke, there's....'
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Breaking News : Kenya Rugby Squad to World Cup 2009 unveiled.
Yes yes yes, my silent prayers have been answered or rather my mama's and I. Kopo is back in the squad bigger, better and fitter. The UON student fraternity and more importantly Mean Machine wll be represented at the Rugby World Cup in Dubai.
That to me overshadowed the rugby this past weekend when Mwamba borrowed our grounds to host their tournament. With Super 14 action in plentyful, the New Zealand teams are off to a shakey start but I know in true All Black fashion all five franchises will recover. Ross Filipo and the returning Josh Blackie were in fine form. Some crazy American playing for one of the SA teams is a real nut.
I think Mwendas are going to give us honorary TV rights for being glued to their screen. I do hope he can employ me for the loyalty I have shown his screen once I'm through with books.
Anyway here is the squad:
Deserving (Tested): Khayange, Injera, Lavin, Onyango, Weru, Oduor, K'Opondo, Ashioya
Debatable (but worth the money) : Namcos, Owiti,
Question Marks: Adema, Nyambu
Non-Travelling: Gathumbi, Sudi, Nyikuli
Not a bad squad though Adema's defence is suspect and needs to be worked on. Nyikuli may have been a better bet than Nyambu as physically he is more adept and has shown remarkable improvement.
Good luck to the Ayimba crew. Bring the World Okombe home.
That to me overshadowed the rugby this past weekend when Mwamba borrowed our grounds to host their tournament. With Super 14 action in plentyful, the New Zealand teams are off to a shakey start but I know in true All Black fashion all five franchises will recover. Ross Filipo and the returning Josh Blackie were in fine form. Some crazy American playing for one of the SA teams is a real nut.
I think Mwendas are going to give us honorary TV rights for being glued to their screen. I do hope he can employ me for the loyalty I have shown his screen once I'm through with books.
Anyway here is the squad:
Deserving (Tested): Khayange, Injera, Lavin, Onyango, Weru, Oduor, K'Opondo, Ashioya
Debatable (but worth the money) : Namcos, Owiti,
Question Marks: Adema, Nyambu
Non-Travelling: Gathumbi, Sudi, Nyikuli
Not a bad squad though Adema's defence is suspect and needs to be worked on. Nyikuli may have been a better bet than Nyambu as physically he is more adept and has shown remarkable improvement.
Good luck to the Ayimba crew. Bring the World Okombe home.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Kenya Rugby Elections Heat Up
With barely two days to the elections to go, the race seems to have heated up. Sometimes you do a post without knowing what you are really doing! What is in it for the Chairman of the Union? Why are things turning nasty? Why are people getting desperate? Why is it becoming a game of win at all costs? This further post shed some light but as we have posed in the past, what makes someone "volunteer" for a job that seems so stressful and unrewarding? What do we as clubs and other stakeholders expect from our representatives? This is a good selection of reads regarding the KRFU, the Directors and the Elections.
Anyway, the incumbent Richard Omwela seems to have the fight of his life. He must have underrated the poorly speaking Mwangi Muthee and his ability to mobilise. The man who turned down a presidential appointment must have failed to take lessons from the life of the said president. Sometimes it is not what you have done, but what you have failed to do as well! Sins of ommission are just as great as those of commission to put it biblically. And that sometimes is what the general public sees. What you have done perhaps is expected of you so you cannot use that as part of your scorecard. E-mails are currently flying round with endorsements and accusations of foul play by both sides. And I still wonder, to what end? Maybe it is the free tickets to Rugby World Cups, both 7's and 15's? Maybe it is the Chairmanship of the lucrative Kenya Rugby Limited, the financial arm of KRFU that no one wants to talk about? Maybe it is the power to award lucrative supply contracts to self, friends or family that comes with the two positions? Maybe it is all the media mentions and appearances, public recognition that comes with the position? Or maybe just a chance to settle old scores?
I wish the protagonists (for that is what they have become) all the best and may the BETTER (I will not use the word BEST here) candidate emerge victorious.
Anyway, the incumbent Richard Omwela seems to have the fight of his life. He must have underrated the poorly speaking Mwangi Muthee and his ability to mobilise. The man who turned down a presidential appointment must have failed to take lessons from the life of the said president. Sometimes it is not what you have done, but what you have failed to do as well! Sins of ommission are just as great as those of commission to put it biblically. And that sometimes is what the general public sees. What you have done perhaps is expected of you so you cannot use that as part of your scorecard. E-mails are currently flying round with endorsements and accusations of foul play by both sides. And I still wonder, to what end? Maybe it is the free tickets to Rugby World Cups, both 7's and 15's? Maybe it is the Chairmanship of the lucrative Kenya Rugby Limited, the financial arm of KRFU that no one wants to talk about? Maybe it is the power to award lucrative supply contracts to self, friends or family that comes with the two positions? Maybe it is all the media mentions and appearances, public recognition that comes with the position? Or maybe just a chance to settle old scores?
I wish the protagonists (for that is what they have become) all the best and may the BETTER (I will not use the word BEST here) candidate emerge victorious.
CONFUSION AS CLUB ENDORSES BOTH CANDIDATES IN RUN UP TO KENYA RUGBY AGM
In my many years as a member of the fourth estate I have had and shared great experiences both locally and abroad (mainly in the France). Rugby has never been too far from my pen as it were those days before the digital age swept us and gave us bigger cumbersome but more convenient tools such as computers (first big, then now small) thanks to computer technology evolution.
The run to the Kenya Rugby Football Union polls provides another monumental experience. Never have I seen a situation where one club (Impala Rugby) has endorsed both candidates for the top seat. As I am dumbfounded at the moment having re read and re read the document since Friday with very little words coming my way, let me share the documents for all you rugby enthusiasts to see and comment if you so wish.
1. Mwangi Muthee
ELECTION OF MWANGI MUTHEE AS CHAIRMAN, KENYA RUGBY FOOTBALL
UNION (KRFU)
Once again, the Kenya Rugby fraternity will be convening for the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 25th February 2009.
This year, we are faced with the situation in which two distinguished candidates will contest the position of Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU). The current Chairman, Richard Omwela, will be challenged by former Kenya international and Mwamba RFC Chairman, Mwangi Muthee.
After careful evaluation, we wish to endorse Mr. Mwangi Muthee for the distinguished position of the Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union. We take note of the Mr
Omwela’s achievements, but we envision Mr. Mwangi Muthee’s Strategic Plan for KENYA RUGBY to answer to the challenges that face our Union.
We call on all stakeholders and particularly the Voting Members of KRFU to support the candidature of Mr. Mwangi Muthee in the KRFU Annual General Meeting Election 2009.
Signed on behalf of Impala Rugby
Peter C. Nduati
CHAIRMAN
2. Richard Omwela
ELECTION OF RICHARD OMWELA AS CHAIRMAN, KENYA RUGBY FOOTBALL
UNION (KRFU)
Once again, the Kenya Rugby fraternity will be convening for the Annual General
Meeting on Wednesday 25th February 2009.
This year, we are faced with the situation in which two distinguished candidates will contest the position of Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU).
The current Chairman, Richard Omwela, will be challenged by former Kenya international and Mwamba RFC Chairman, Mwangi Muthee.
After careful evaluation, we wish to endorse Mr. Richard Omwela for the distinguished position of the Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union. We take note of the Mr
Omwela’s achievements, but we envision Mr. Richard Omwela’s Strategic Plan for KENYA RUGBY to answer to the challenges that face our Union.
We call on all stakeholders and particularly the Voting Members of KRFU to support the candidature of Mr. Richard Omwela in the KRFU Annual General Meeting Election 2009.
Signed on behalf of Impala Rugby
Peter C. Nduati
CHAIRMAN
When I recover I shall comment if there is anything to say.
The run to the Kenya Rugby Football Union polls provides another monumental experience. Never have I seen a situation where one club (Impala Rugby) has endorsed both candidates for the top seat. As I am dumbfounded at the moment having re read and re read the document since Friday with very little words coming my way, let me share the documents for all you rugby enthusiasts to see and comment if you so wish.
1. Mwangi Muthee
ELECTION OF MWANGI MUTHEE AS CHAIRMAN, KENYA RUGBY FOOTBALL
UNION (KRFU)
Once again, the Kenya Rugby fraternity will be convening for the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 25th February 2009.
This year, we are faced with the situation in which two distinguished candidates will contest the position of Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU). The current Chairman, Richard Omwela, will be challenged by former Kenya international and Mwamba RFC Chairman, Mwangi Muthee.
After careful evaluation, we wish to endorse Mr. Mwangi Muthee for the distinguished position of the Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union. We take note of the Mr
Omwela’s achievements, but we envision Mr. Mwangi Muthee’s Strategic Plan for KENYA RUGBY to answer to the challenges that face our Union.
We call on all stakeholders and particularly the Voting Members of KRFU to support the candidature of Mr. Mwangi Muthee in the KRFU Annual General Meeting Election 2009.
Signed on behalf of Impala Rugby
Peter C. Nduati
CHAIRMAN
2. Richard Omwela
ELECTION OF RICHARD OMWELA AS CHAIRMAN, KENYA RUGBY FOOTBALL
UNION (KRFU)
Once again, the Kenya Rugby fraternity will be convening for the Annual General
Meeting on Wednesday 25th February 2009.
This year, we are faced with the situation in which two distinguished candidates will contest the position of Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU).
The current Chairman, Richard Omwela, will be challenged by former Kenya international and Mwamba RFC Chairman, Mwangi Muthee.
After careful evaluation, we wish to endorse Mr. Richard Omwela for the distinguished position of the Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union. We take note of the Mr
Omwela’s achievements, but we envision Mr. Richard Omwela’s Strategic Plan for KENYA RUGBY to answer to the challenges that face our Union.
We call on all stakeholders and particularly the Voting Members of KRFU to support the candidature of Mr. Richard Omwela in the KRFU Annual General Meeting Election 2009.
Signed on behalf of Impala Rugby
Peter C. Nduati
CHAIRMAN
When I recover I shall comment if there is anything to say.
Friday, February 20, 2009
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Being a passionate rugby journalist is easy for one when they just sit and enjoy the game. But in Kenya it becomes a little different. for some of us.
Way back when we went to Hong Kong with Watembezi the game was just a social affair for those who went to the elite schools.
Today all this has changed and the intrusion by non-rugby playing people running the affairs of the KRFU should be a cause of concern.
First and foremost SOYA should apologise to Kenyans for awarding KRFU with the award of best run association. That is not true. There is plenty conflict of interest within the KRFU and this is demonstrated as follows.
The Chairmans relatives (two of them) are major suppliers of the KRFU. He is a director in both companies. Club: Impala and Quins.
The Vice Chairman awarded the KRFU a sponsorship for the Gramd Slam. Only 30% was spent and rest used to refund directors for 'loans' to the KRFU. The Vice Chairman is the postmaster-general. Club: Mean Machine and ex Barclays.
The Secretary continues to use a dubious travel agent for business with KRFU, IRB and sponsors money. The travel agency with a shareholder in Emirates Airline is famously remembered for the U18 fiasco where peoples children were abandoned in Dubai and Morocco. This also affected 5 other African countries as KRFU and the travel agent were the logistic partners. Club: Mean Machine and ex Barclays.
The Treasurers brother works in the KRFU secretariat office. Club: Impala.
Director in charge of Referees. A senior Impala official. Does not see anything other than Impala. Club: Impala.
Director in Charge of grounds: A senior KCB rugby official. Achievements NIL. Club: KCB
Director and former 7's coach. Settled in very well but leans favourably to Mean Machine. Club: Quins and Mean Machine.
Director incharge of 7's: Business associate of General Managar: Club: Nondies and Mean Machine.
Womens Director of KRFU is a first cousin to the secretary as well as a niece of a former Director who is abroad on further studies. Club: Quins.
Development Manager has filled the secretariat with anybody and everybody from Impala. Club: Impala and ex Barclays.
General Managar has brought in all his college buddies into the secretariat and other functions. He is very close to a sponsor. He also has formed a company that is a major supplier to the KRFU. Club: Nondies and Mean Machine.
Director and Super Series Chairman. A crony of the chairman and business partner with the General Manager. At times brings in 'friends' to work closely together. Is setting himself up to succed the Chairman in 2011. The deal was made while they were both at Impala Club. Club: Impala.
Mini Rugby Co-ordinator and Groundsman: Club: Impala.
Chairman Organising Commitee Junior World Rugby Trophy is the current Impala rugby club chairman. Is that why the Impala ground is being refurbished with IRB money? Why not Railway Club or Jamhuri Park?
The above must be the most damning case of conflict of interest.
I do believe they have have firmly taken a leaf out of John Githongo's book "ITS OUR TURN TO EAT".
With the above maybe it is time to give Michael Mwangi Muthee a chance. At least his stewardship of Mwamba and its success especially with Kulabu forming the bulk of the world beating Kenya 7's team is there for all to see.
Frisco
Way back when we went to Hong Kong with Watembezi the game was just a social affair for those who went to the elite schools.
Today all this has changed and the intrusion by non-rugby playing people running the affairs of the KRFU should be a cause of concern.
First and foremost SOYA should apologise to Kenyans for awarding KRFU with the award of best run association. That is not true. There is plenty conflict of interest within the KRFU and this is demonstrated as follows.
The Chairmans relatives (two of them) are major suppliers of the KRFU. He is a director in both companies. Club: Impala and Quins.
The Vice Chairman awarded the KRFU a sponsorship for the Gramd Slam. Only 30% was spent and rest used to refund directors for 'loans' to the KRFU. The Vice Chairman is the postmaster-general. Club: Mean Machine and ex Barclays.
The Secretary continues to use a dubious travel agent for business with KRFU, IRB and sponsors money. The travel agency with a shareholder in Emirates Airline is famously remembered for the U18 fiasco where peoples children were abandoned in Dubai and Morocco. This also affected 5 other African countries as KRFU and the travel agent were the logistic partners. Club: Mean Machine and ex Barclays.
The Treasurers brother works in the KRFU secretariat office. Club: Impala.
Director in charge of Referees. A senior Impala official. Does not see anything other than Impala. Club: Impala.
Director in Charge of grounds: A senior KCB rugby official. Achievements NIL. Club: KCB
Director and former 7's coach. Settled in very well but leans favourably to Mean Machine. Club: Quins and Mean Machine.
Director incharge of 7's: Business associate of General Managar: Club: Nondies and Mean Machine.
Womens Director of KRFU is a first cousin to the secretary as well as a niece of a former Director who is abroad on further studies. Club: Quins.
Development Manager has filled the secretariat with anybody and everybody from Impala. Club: Impala and ex Barclays.
General Managar has brought in all his college buddies into the secretariat and other functions. He is very close to a sponsor. He also has formed a company that is a major supplier to the KRFU. Club: Nondies and Mean Machine.
Director and Super Series Chairman. A crony of the chairman and business partner with the General Manager. At times brings in 'friends' to work closely together. Is setting himself up to succed the Chairman in 2011. The deal was made while they were both at Impala Club. Club: Impala.
Mini Rugby Co-ordinator and Groundsman: Club: Impala.
Chairman Organising Commitee Junior World Rugby Trophy is the current Impala rugby club chairman. Is that why the Impala ground is being refurbished with IRB money? Why not Railway Club or Jamhuri Park?
The above must be the most damning case of conflict of interest.
I do believe they have have firmly taken a leaf out of John Githongo's book "ITS OUR TURN TO EAT".
With the above maybe it is time to give Michael Mwangi Muthee a chance. At least his stewardship of Mwamba and its success especially with Kulabu forming the bulk of the world beating Kenya 7's team is there for all to see.
Frisco
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Weekly Ramble - 2
This being the week before the Kenya Rugby Football Union Annual General Meeting, I feel I should at least say something about it. I used to wonder why every year when the Safari Sevens is round the corner, I start getting calls from long lost friends. I even start getting calls from family members who would normally flash me, this time they spend their credit. Reason? They are wondering if I have some spare tickets for the sevens! I have mentioned before that the rugby fraternity is a close knit family. And this is the perception even from outsiders (non-family members). That I once played rugby means I'm close to the officials and the powers that be and hence have access to some "loose" tickets for the Sevens. Not too far off from the truth actually. You see, in rugby circles, we are so few that everybody knows everybody else. And (un)naturally, we are all friends. And to me this kills any democracy that could ever exist in rugby!
During last year's AGM and elections, several positions were "unopposed". Some people had declared interest against the incumbents and shied off at the last minute. Was it lack of confidence or not willing to run against "friends"? This year four positions are up for re-election. The big seat of Chairman and three director's seats. The incumbents in these positions are Richard Omwela, Gordon Anampiu, Innocent Moturi and Willy Ombisi. It is interesting that when things are good, the Chairman takes all credit (as has been the case these past two weeks) whilst if things are bad, someone lower down the food chain must be sacked. Throughout his tenure as Chairman, Omwela has faced mainly meek opposition. In the spirit of "friendship", only Mwamba RFC candidates have stood against him and this year is no different. That some horsetrading goes on before elections is not in doubt and leaves me wondering how different we are from the other politicians. As much as a lot of mumbling goes on during the year about the "weak chairmanship" and the "poor leadership" and the "petty politics" and all manner of other accusations, nobody bothers to put up a challenge against Omwela. Here I will posit some theories.
The strongest clubs institutionally and functionally are mainly three. Impala, Harlequins and Nondies. It is no secret that these clubs teem with professional managers, well respected in their own right and by successfully running 100% self supporting clubs, they would be able to produce candidates who can put up a strong challenge against the incumbent. But no, this is not to be. I will explore a theory here. When Omwela first stood for chairman, he was a member of Impala Club and was proposed by Kenya Harlequins under some arrangement, I'm not sure what. That may explain why these clubs are silent come elections. Content to just keep one director here or there to keep alive their interests on the board. For Nondies I am completely at a loss. Maybe they are handling their own transition issues (white to black to back) first and trying to revive their team at the same time. Now, despite all the mumblings in the dark, even by Impala and Quins members, there is still no serious challenge to the seat. Is it that Omwela is such a good chairman? Is he that visionary? Has he still got a lot to offer? Can he move Kenyan Rugby to the next level? Apparently the answer is yes. Or not? For Impala, they got their goose cooked this year. The decision to play some games of the Junior World Rugby Trophy at Impala that will result in a massive improvement of their pitch can only be seen in this light. That the strongest contender for the seat, Peter Nduati is the Chairman of the local organising committee for the event is not only a conflict of interest, but obviously a sedative as well. And I move on, to Harlequins. It is no secret that ALL other clubs are envious of their position as tenants of the RFUEA ground. For them it seems so long as the person in charge will not interfere too much with this arrangement, they also will not interfere with him! Hence their silence in this matter. Then comes Mwamba. They are the only club perhaps who have made it clear that they want to be tenants of that ground too! That they have time and again made an assault on the seat of Chairman must be with this end game in mind. And this year is no different. One Mwangi Muthee has decided to stand against Omwela. And he is not hiding anything. He is going round campaigning heavily. And he is the traditional Kenyan politician. Mention vote buying, bribery, mud slinging, character assasination, the works, he is not pulling any stops. He must be chairman at all costs, even if he rubs Omwela and friends the wrong way.
That leaves me wondering how he intends to work if he is elected. Omwela will have friends left in Rugby and even on the board if he (Omwela) loses. Muthee has tried to isolate Omwela as riding on the wave of the 7's team and not working to improve rugby as a whole. He also claims Omwela has not rugby pedigree, never having played the game himself. He therefore believes he is not placed to understand rugby and what goes on in it. He has pledged to revive (is it dead?) fifteen a side rugby (at the expense of the 7's?) without clearly thought out plans, other than creating many senior fifteen a side teams (Kenya A, Kenya B, Scorpions, Chairmans and I don't know what else) to play against who? Perhaps each other. And much as I don't think Omwela has what it takes to get us to the next level, I don't believe Muthee can sustain us at the current level. Case in point, Muthee was the director in charge of the 15's team when he was a director of the KRFU. It is no secret he greatly interfered with the running of the team by micro-managing it and believing in himself and his gut feeling as opposed to institutions and structures that had been built over the previous three years. In under six months he had demolished a well working machine. Personally, I would blame him for the rut the 15's team is stuck in right now, and that leaves me wondering, what magic has he got now that he did not have then?
I apologise, am I campaigning against one, or the other, or both? I'm just frustrated, as usual. Rugby is as doomed as the rest of Kenya.
Update 20/02/09. I have lifted the below from http://www.kenyarfu.com/ which is Omwela's pitch for the job.
OMWELA BANKS ON TRACK RECORD
February 12, 2009
Richard Omwela, the Kenya Rugby Football chairman will be banking on a good track record to retain the position when the Union’s annual general meeting is held on February 24 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground.
Barely one month ago, was KRFU voted as the best run association by the organizers of the Sportsman of the Year Award (SOYA). In 2007, KRFU was second to Kenya Motor Sports Foundation. The national seven-a-side team also had a very good run retaining the best team’s award while coach Benjamin Ayimba and Collins Injera made it to the final for the coach and best male sportsman categories.
It is some of these modest achievements that Omwela will be banking on to get the nod from the affiliated associations. “It has been a monumental achievement which has not come easy. This KRFU Board has worked hard and some have personally sacrificed to ensure that all runs smoothly.
Recognition by organizers of SOYA brought KRFU into the spotlight and I believe we have come under more scrutiny because of the achievements. We have a strategic plan which I would want to see through,”Omwela states.
Locally, Omwela believes that under his stewardship, the KRFU has become more open and daring. “The problem we have in other associations is the lack of proper accountability. We do not have big sponsorship but always account for every cent,”Omwela states.
But, the KRFU chairman also believes that during his tenure, Kenya has had closer links with the International Rugby Board. “We have been given much more responsibility in the region because of good organization. As a result, we have the Junior World Rugby Trophy in April. This is the first time that an African country would be hosting this important tool for development players.
It took a lot of trust and convincing to get the tournament here and I would like to see it through. I am lucky to have a good team to work with and we would like to take rugby to the next level. The future looks bright and I am ready to give it another go,”Omwela assured.
The KRFU chairman admitted that there have been trying times especially last year when ethnic violence nearly made it impossible for the sport to be played. “We used sport to bring back reconciliation and our seven-a-side rugby team have been good ambassadors to this country. They are the best supported team in the IRB Sevens World Series,” Omwela acknowledged.
Omwela also believes that the central position Kenya enjoys has made it possible to share some of the skills. “Kenya has a lot of respect at CAR because of the good work KRFU has put. We have also spread our wings to Rwanda,” he noted.
Omwela’s post will be one of the positions due for elections together with three other directors – Innocent Moturi, Gordon Anampiu and Willy Ombisi – at the KRFU’s annual general meeting.
You can find Muthee's pitch here.
During last year's AGM and elections, several positions were "unopposed". Some people had declared interest against the incumbents and shied off at the last minute. Was it lack of confidence or not willing to run against "friends"? This year four positions are up for re-election. The big seat of Chairman and three director's seats. The incumbents in these positions are Richard Omwela, Gordon Anampiu, Innocent Moturi and Willy Ombisi. It is interesting that when things are good, the Chairman takes all credit (as has been the case these past two weeks) whilst if things are bad, someone lower down the food chain must be sacked. Throughout his tenure as Chairman, Omwela has faced mainly meek opposition. In the spirit of "friendship", only Mwamba RFC candidates have stood against him and this year is no different. That some horsetrading goes on before elections is not in doubt and leaves me wondering how different we are from the other politicians. As much as a lot of mumbling goes on during the year about the "weak chairmanship" and the "poor leadership" and the "petty politics" and all manner of other accusations, nobody bothers to put up a challenge against Omwela. Here I will posit some theories.
The strongest clubs institutionally and functionally are mainly three. Impala, Harlequins and Nondies. It is no secret that these clubs teem with professional managers, well respected in their own right and by successfully running 100% self supporting clubs, they would be able to produce candidates who can put up a strong challenge against the incumbent. But no, this is not to be. I will explore a theory here. When Omwela first stood for chairman, he was a member of Impala Club and was proposed by Kenya Harlequins under some arrangement, I'm not sure what. That may explain why these clubs are silent come elections. Content to just keep one director here or there to keep alive their interests on the board. For Nondies I am completely at a loss. Maybe they are handling their own transition issues (white to black to back) first and trying to revive their team at the same time. Now, despite all the mumblings in the dark, even by Impala and Quins members, there is still no serious challenge to the seat. Is it that Omwela is such a good chairman? Is he that visionary? Has he still got a lot to offer? Can he move Kenyan Rugby to the next level? Apparently the answer is yes. Or not? For Impala, they got their goose cooked this year. The decision to play some games of the Junior World Rugby Trophy at Impala that will result in a massive improvement of their pitch can only be seen in this light. That the strongest contender for the seat, Peter Nduati is the Chairman of the local organising committee for the event is not only a conflict of interest, but obviously a sedative as well. And I move on, to Harlequins. It is no secret that ALL other clubs are envious of their position as tenants of the RFUEA ground. For them it seems so long as the person in charge will not interfere too much with this arrangement, they also will not interfere with him! Hence their silence in this matter. Then comes Mwamba. They are the only club perhaps who have made it clear that they want to be tenants of that ground too! That they have time and again made an assault on the seat of Chairman must be with this end game in mind. And this year is no different. One Mwangi Muthee has decided to stand against Omwela. And he is not hiding anything. He is going round campaigning heavily. And he is the traditional Kenyan politician. Mention vote buying, bribery, mud slinging, character assasination, the works, he is not pulling any stops. He must be chairman at all costs, even if he rubs Omwela and friends the wrong way.
That leaves me wondering how he intends to work if he is elected. Omwela will have friends left in Rugby and even on the board if he (Omwela) loses. Muthee has tried to isolate Omwela as riding on the wave of the 7's team and not working to improve rugby as a whole. He also claims Omwela has not rugby pedigree, never having played the game himself. He therefore believes he is not placed to understand rugby and what goes on in it. He has pledged to revive (is it dead?) fifteen a side rugby (at the expense of the 7's?) without clearly thought out plans, other than creating many senior fifteen a side teams (Kenya A, Kenya B, Scorpions, Chairmans and I don't know what else) to play against who? Perhaps each other. And much as I don't think Omwela has what it takes to get us to the next level, I don't believe Muthee can sustain us at the current level. Case in point, Muthee was the director in charge of the 15's team when he was a director of the KRFU. It is no secret he greatly interfered with the running of the team by micro-managing it and believing in himself and his gut feeling as opposed to institutions and structures that had been built over the previous three years. In under six months he had demolished a well working machine. Personally, I would blame him for the rut the 15's team is stuck in right now, and that leaves me wondering, what magic has he got now that he did not have then?
I apologise, am I campaigning against one, or the other, or both? I'm just frustrated, as usual. Rugby is as doomed as the rest of Kenya.
Update 20/02/09. I have lifted the below from http://www.kenyarfu.com/ which is Omwela's pitch for the job.
OMWELA BANKS ON TRACK RECORD
February 12, 2009
Richard Omwela, the Kenya Rugby Football chairman will be banking on a good track record to retain the position when the Union’s annual general meeting is held on February 24 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground.
Barely one month ago, was KRFU voted as the best run association by the organizers of the Sportsman of the Year Award (SOYA). In 2007, KRFU was second to Kenya Motor Sports Foundation. The national seven-a-side team also had a very good run retaining the best team’s award while coach Benjamin Ayimba and Collins Injera made it to the final for the coach and best male sportsman categories.
It is some of these modest achievements that Omwela will be banking on to get the nod from the affiliated associations. “It has been a monumental achievement which has not come easy. This KRFU Board has worked hard and some have personally sacrificed to ensure that all runs smoothly.
Recognition by organizers of SOYA brought KRFU into the spotlight and I believe we have come under more scrutiny because of the achievements. We have a strategic plan which I would want to see through,”Omwela states.
Locally, Omwela believes that under his stewardship, the KRFU has become more open and daring. “The problem we have in other associations is the lack of proper accountability. We do not have big sponsorship but always account for every cent,”Omwela states.
But, the KRFU chairman also believes that during his tenure, Kenya has had closer links with the International Rugby Board. “We have been given much more responsibility in the region because of good organization. As a result, we have the Junior World Rugby Trophy in April. This is the first time that an African country would be hosting this important tool for development players.
It took a lot of trust and convincing to get the tournament here and I would like to see it through. I am lucky to have a good team to work with and we would like to take rugby to the next level. The future looks bright and I am ready to give it another go,”Omwela assured.
The KRFU chairman admitted that there have been trying times especially last year when ethnic violence nearly made it impossible for the sport to be played. “We used sport to bring back reconciliation and our seven-a-side rugby team have been good ambassadors to this country. They are the best supported team in the IRB Sevens World Series,” Omwela acknowledged.
Omwela also believes that the central position Kenya enjoys has made it possible to share some of the skills. “Kenya has a lot of respect at CAR because of the good work KRFU has put. We have also spread our wings to Rwanda,” he noted.
Omwela’s post will be one of the positions due for elections together with three other directors – Innocent Moturi, Gordon Anampiu and Willy Ombisi – at the KRFU’s annual general meeting.
You can find Muthee's pitch here.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Guest Post
This came in one of the comments pages and I have reproduced it here in case some people missed it.
When are we going to realize that we currently have a good number of the best sevens players in the world!!!! And that this team can win the overall IRB sevens series title. Questions: if New Zealand had a chance to pick players from the Kenyan team, how many players would they pick? How many tournaments would they then win with these players?
If we have the best players, why have we not won any title or even played in a cup final?
Previously our team’s main Achilles heel was fitness and tackling. In Sandiego and Wellington, the fittest team was either Kenya or South Africa, we also ranked amongst the top teams in tackle completion.
I have been told that the main problem Kenya has is because we do not have the resources to properly remunerate our player so that they can devote more time to the game. Valid point I agree, but how have we found ourselves in the position where we have the best sevens players in the world? I would pose. I believe it is because of the personal commitment of our players and their dedication towards fitness and skills development through hard work and self sacrifice. This has to be compensated in monetary terms. They need to get money. When a player is selected into our pool of sevens players they should receive monthly stipends to encourage them to do the extra training, with the touring sides receiving their normal bonuses. This should also apply to our 15s side.
But this does not also answer the question why do we have the best players and not the best team?
It all lies in our technical bench. Our players seem to be playing by themselves, we could send only players and a physiotherapist to the next tournament and we would not notice the difference. Our coaches seem like passengers and not drivers of the bus. We never seem to have any game plan, and always use the wrong options in our games, to the frustration of our fans and most noticeable broadcast commentators. Our coaches should watch all our matches and listen to their analysis of the play by the match commentators and they could maybe learn something. They should look at South African set plays from penalties which always involves pre-planned movements on and off the ball that always result in space creation, mismatches and tries. Technical genius by coaches will always be apparent on the pitch. When your game plan is not working you should always have alternatives. Different teams deserve different approaches.
Player selection has raised so many questions. Why take players to tournaments if you do not intend to use them. This was a perfect leg to access Ashioya and Ocholla. Ashioya was brilliant and deserved more game time. Heaven knows why Ocholla was not given game time. Why someone else (e.g. Horace/Amonde) has not been deployed a forward to free up Khayange on the line where he is devastating inside his brother is shocking.
Why Nyambu and Nato are still being considered should be investigated. Their presence in the team is not based on merit or performance. Why retain known liabilities when we can try out new players. There must be other reasons and considerations for this.
Such opportunities should be left to those players who have the drive and capacity toimprove. E.g Nyikuli’s better show in sandiego after a dismal show in earlier tournaments.
So should Ayimba, Osir and Totti be sacked? Like players they should also be given the tools with which to perform. Salaries not allowances. Technical aids such as real-time match evaluation software and most importantly a technical and selection panel. That will evaluate the technical report for each game they oversee. Such reports should be faxed immediately after each game for real-time online evaluation by the committee. This should be the most important committee in rugby and requires selection through a transparent manner via club nominees to ensure wide representation of all clubs and regions.
Does such a committee exist? And if yes how are its members selected?
With all limitations noted however the players are improving but the team is not at the same place.
This can only be symptomatic of coaching deficiencies. The influence of the coaches in the game has to be seen.
The sevens world cup will be a whole new ball game where S.A fiji Engalnd and Newzealand will be at full strength. Kenya has in its pool England who will field Vandell, Tait, Strettle etc we need to step up our game. The union has to pool up its socks and weed out all joy riders amongst the players and coaches.
We have the best players; and they have done their part so far. The onus now lies with our coaches to craft the best team and deliver victory in the world cup by employing the right/specific tactics and player combination against every opponent faced.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Weekly Ramble - 1
This week I feel inspired. This will be the first of my rambles this week. There may be two, or three, I have enough material to write about. In the information age, sometimes mining data is not as difficult as one would imagine.
Today, the Kenya Rugby Football Union. I will not begrudge them on the team or the performance or their intentions, all presumed to be noble. But I will ask them to find a focus for their energies, or whatever it is they are doing for rugby and for the team. This past article talks about their supposed intentions for the game. However, this article in today paper gives me a different picture and reminds me of a long past article by Ruggerbug, are we elitist? The combination of the newspaper article and listening to the Chairman on radio this morning really disheartened me.
That we want to raise money for the team is a noble cause. That we want to raise money to send the joyriders I mentioned yesterday is also a noble cause. The manner in which we want to raise the funds is not noble at all. Why would we want to deprive each and every Kenyan an opportunity to support the team? We cannot all travel to Dubai to cheer the team in the Rugby Sevens World Cup, but we can support in our own SMALL way. What lessons did we learn from Barrack Obama's victory in the US Presidential Elections? What did we learn about his campaign strategy (other than the obvious "Yes We Can")? What value do we attach to the ordinary man and woman on the streets who takes pride in the exploits of the team, rugby supporter or not? Apparently none! Is this a personal project for one to appeal to "my lawyer friends" for a MINIMUM OF KSH. 20,000.00? Are beggars now choosing? Is my 1,000 bob worthless? Is the 100 bob of the man in the street worthless? I really get heartbroken when I read of such things. We are widening the divide between Rugby and the ordinary man and we don't seem to realise it.
My take, public appeals are just that, an appeal to the public. And to do that on national print and electronic media, you need to carefully analyse your audience. I think they should have made phone calls to their "lawyer friends" for the 20,000 and found a way for the public to contribute to the team effort, presuming it is a team effort. DUUHHHH - where's the M-Pesa or ZAP account number? Where's the premium rate number to contribute your 50 bobs? Do they know how President Obama raised money for his campaign? It was in public donations of US$ 25.00. Now that would have been a public appeal!
Monday, February 16, 2009
San Diego Sevens
Well, well. I see many accolades all over for a good job done, but I feel we greatly underperformed. We finished at a lesser position than last weekend and as opposed to the 12 points we gathered in Wellington, we could only manage 6 this time round. Is there joy because we beat the miighty All Blacks? Are they really mighty? The All Blacks coach can pick one player from each franchise of the Super 14 and that is exactly what I expect him to do to beef up his squad. That they are underperforming is plain for all to see. For a team that went unbeaten for amost ten tournaments, even Wales has beaten them in the past eight days.
Anyway, I'm not angry, just disappointed. I feel the team has achieved two out of three things to take them to the top. The players are talented and skilled. They are now considered quite fit. On past trips we have taken joyriders in the names of nutritionists and sprint coaches. Now is the time to take a shrink for one. We are extremely weak in our mental skills. How do you lose to Uruguay, then beat New Zealand, then lose to USA, then beat Samoa, then lose to New Zealand after having comprehensively beaten them the previous day. Benja, kazi kwako!
HAPPY VALENTINE KENYA RUGBY
I havent posted foe a while as I thought let me watch the Kenya 7's performance in Wellington and then in San Diego. I must say that my mama and I are very proud of the boys with what they achieved in these two legs of the IRB Series.
I also wish to the thank the owners of Mwenda's where I watched Wellington as well as the Machine Old Boys who have interests in Shebeen where I spent my Valentine weekend watching rugby. It was worth the cab fare back to campus. Shebeen is an interesting place. Never been there before I definitely got a taste of what life is after one has completed campus and has a job immediately thereafter.
To my engineering lecturers please excuse me for today as I have some serious sleep to catch up and two long overdue assignments.
Back to the rugby. The boys have performed well and captured even more the imagination of the world. No doubt that they will be taken very seriously at the World Cup. However one one must not take Omwela too seriously when he says that he (or KRFUEA or who then?) will reward the boys with half a million shillings each were they to win the IRB series. That is another of his wild statements and one would wish that he had actually played some rugby to attest to that. Leave that to England, South Africa and New Zealand. Our immediate targets are to get into the final of at least one tournament. Listening to Omwela on Capital FM was a bit of an embarrassment to the rugby fraternity.
The scalps of South Africa and New Zealand have finally been gotten. In those two games our players were outstanding. However our consistency and depth is of great concern. After the big wins do our technical bench have the tactical nous of approaching the next games? I want to be assured that they do but the games against Scotland, Uruguay and USA proved that our tacticians sometimes come unstuck in their ability to read the game. They were dazed and dumbfounded. That we need to address by the time we land on the next stage.
The team itself had some outstanding performers. From an earler post which I want to refer to it is time now to give a review of the players performances.
Deserving (Tested): Khayange, Injera, Lavin, Onyango, Weru, Oduor
The above played their hearts out. They deserved their places in the team but at times they seemed to have been overworked. This is a problem that needs to be addressed. Burn-out must be avoided. Why was Onyango rested in San Diego?
Debatable (but worth the money) : Ashioya, Owiti, Nyambu, Ochola, Gathumbi, Shimenga
Ashioya needed more game time. Against USA we should definitely have had him on the pitch. He showed his value whenever he played against South Africa, France, New Zealand and Samoa.
Owiti is strong hardworking but comes up short in skills and ideas. He can be worked on an improved on. Because of little game time his handling was poor and he was one dimensional in many of his thoughts.
Nyambu is below par. Did not have a good outing on both legs. His game has deteriorated. He is too short for the kick offs and line outs.
Ochola, Gathumbi and Shimenga went for a good time. Only time seen was at the hotels and filling in water bottles.
Question Marks: Adema, Nyikuli
Adema has no defence. That is a major problem. Other teams target him all the time. His ability to defend is not questioned. It simply does not exist. He should be dropped.
Nyikuli worked hard to move from the Question marks category to the Debatable. He definitely needs to work on his speed and aggression to be a core player.
Tourist (PayTv): Nato Simiyu
Nato Nato Nato. The less said the better. How much much more did he pay to be on this joyride. This player despite having two elder rugby playing brothers is just not of the required international standard. He was a disaster against Tonga and cost us the game against SCotland. He should never ever be allowed to represent Kenya ever again in either 7's or 15's. The boy is simply a waste of time. Drop him in the air.
The technical team needs to look at the depth of the squad much more seriously as well as plan how to utilise all the players they carry properly. We have 7 reliable players and then a collection of others whom we dont trust on the pitch. This is a big worry for the next event in Dubai. Lets address it now. Sudi, Namcos, K'Opondo and Amonde need to be considered.
Other than that kudos to the team for an outstanding performance. The sacrifice they put beyond their day to day careers as students or in employment is definitely not in doubt when we see them matching top class professional rugby players. We know given the same opportunity here at home we definitely can be on top of the world.
Ayimba declared he was going for 18 points and true to his word he has come back with 18 points. Kenyan rugby expectations are very very very high.
Ayimba earlier this year declared his aim is to win the 2009 Sevens World Cup and many laughed him off. After these past two weekends, I doubt if those who laughed are still laughing. Definitely they have sat up straight and have taken notice. From what Ayimba has stated the rest of us shall 'Dare To Dream'.
Lastly please keep Omwela away from the media lest we hear another wild outrageous statement from him. It has been said by other very senior learned fellows that the man is a good manager and quite shrewd. However this may be applicable in another field where gentlemen still wear wigs and retire at a grand old age of 74 but definitely not in the game of rugby.
Let me catch a wink or two and snooze as I too Dare To Dream.
I also wish to the thank the owners of Mwenda's where I watched Wellington as well as the Machine Old Boys who have interests in Shebeen where I spent my Valentine weekend watching rugby. It was worth the cab fare back to campus. Shebeen is an interesting place. Never been there before I definitely got a taste of what life is after one has completed campus and has a job immediately thereafter.
To my engineering lecturers please excuse me for today as I have some serious sleep to catch up and two long overdue assignments.
Back to the rugby. The boys have performed well and captured even more the imagination of the world. No doubt that they will be taken very seriously at the World Cup. However one one must not take Omwela too seriously when he says that he (or KRFUEA or who then?) will reward the boys with half a million shillings each were they to win the IRB series. That is another of his wild statements and one would wish that he had actually played some rugby to attest to that. Leave that to England, South Africa and New Zealand. Our immediate targets are to get into the final of at least one tournament. Listening to Omwela on Capital FM was a bit of an embarrassment to the rugby fraternity.
The scalps of South Africa and New Zealand have finally been gotten. In those two games our players were outstanding. However our consistency and depth is of great concern. After the big wins do our technical bench have the tactical nous of approaching the next games? I want to be assured that they do but the games against Scotland, Uruguay and USA proved that our tacticians sometimes come unstuck in their ability to read the game. They were dazed and dumbfounded. That we need to address by the time we land on the next stage.
The team itself had some outstanding performers. From an earler post which I want to refer to it is time now to give a review of the players performances.
Deserving (Tested): Khayange, Injera, Lavin, Onyango, Weru, Oduor
The above played their hearts out. They deserved their places in the team but at times they seemed to have been overworked. This is a problem that needs to be addressed. Burn-out must be avoided. Why was Onyango rested in San Diego?
Debatable (but worth the money) : Ashioya, Owiti, Nyambu, Ochola, Gathumbi, Shimenga
Ashioya needed more game time. Against USA we should definitely have had him on the pitch. He showed his value whenever he played against South Africa, France, New Zealand and Samoa.
Owiti is strong hardworking but comes up short in skills and ideas. He can be worked on an improved on. Because of little game time his handling was poor and he was one dimensional in many of his thoughts.
Nyambu is below par. Did not have a good outing on both legs. His game has deteriorated. He is too short for the kick offs and line outs.
Ochola, Gathumbi and Shimenga went for a good time. Only time seen was at the hotels and filling in water bottles.
Question Marks: Adema, Nyikuli
Adema has no defence. That is a major problem. Other teams target him all the time. His ability to defend is not questioned. It simply does not exist. He should be dropped.
Nyikuli worked hard to move from the Question marks category to the Debatable. He definitely needs to work on his speed and aggression to be a core player.
Tourist (PayTv): Nato Simiyu
Nato Nato Nato. The less said the better. How much much more did he pay to be on this joyride. This player despite having two elder rugby playing brothers is just not of the required international standard. He was a disaster against Tonga and cost us the game against SCotland. He should never ever be allowed to represent Kenya ever again in either 7's or 15's. The boy is simply a waste of time. Drop him in the air.
The technical team needs to look at the depth of the squad much more seriously as well as plan how to utilise all the players they carry properly. We have 7 reliable players and then a collection of others whom we dont trust on the pitch. This is a big worry for the next event in Dubai. Lets address it now. Sudi, Namcos, K'Opondo and Amonde need to be considered.
Other than that kudos to the team for an outstanding performance. The sacrifice they put beyond their day to day careers as students or in employment is definitely not in doubt when we see them matching top class professional rugby players. We know given the same opportunity here at home we definitely can be on top of the world.
Ayimba declared he was going for 18 points and true to his word he has come back with 18 points. Kenyan rugby expectations are very very very high.
Ayimba earlier this year declared his aim is to win the 2009 Sevens World Cup and many laughed him off. After these past two weekends, I doubt if those who laughed are still laughing. Definitely they have sat up straight and have taken notice. From what Ayimba has stated the rest of us shall 'Dare To Dream'.
Lastly please keep Omwela away from the media lest we hear another wild outrageous statement from him. It has been said by other very senior learned fellows that the man is a good manager and quite shrewd. However this may be applicable in another field where gentlemen still wear wigs and retire at a grand old age of 74 but definitely not in the game of rugby.
Let me catch a wink or two and snooze as I too Dare To Dream.
Friday, February 13, 2009
San Diego Sevens
It is only last year that we lived up to our expectations in the US round of the IRB Sevens Circuit. Previous years have seen us disappoint the large number of fans assembled there for one week of partying. Part of this can be attributed to the numerous appearances the team was required to put in at various social events, just to earn an extra buck in appearance fees. This totally drained them and interfered with their focus for the event. Interesting that this year I have narely seen anyone advertise "Appearance by the Kenya 7's team" at their events. A good turn. Maybe the extra money from Virgin is helping them keep their focus!
On the field, the pool is not too bad. Also, being in the same pool as New Zealand means whatever happens, we can't meet them again till the final. There will however still be Fiji, England, Argentina, South Africa and the rest to deal with. Maybe this weekend is Fiji's turn? I relish the thought. The teams in our pool are Uruguay, France and New Zealand. Let the games begin.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Weekly Ramble
I'll be the first to admit, outstanding performance in Wellington. We were quite amazing actually and other than individual weaknesses, I cannot point out specific team faults this time. That certain people were the ones always on the field when we were struggling should help the coach in his final selection for the World Cup. 
If you ask me, I don't know what the KRFU Chairman was doing on radio taking all the credit for the hard work. If he was the one responsible for all that, can he give us the path to how he achieved it? Or can he tell us the progression we need to make in order for our fifteens to be as competitive (ok, to improve it). It is quite telling that in 7's we have grown in leaps and bounds. From a wild card invitation to two legs of the circuit, which was increased to four and then becoming a core team is quite and achievement. And that this is measureable in terms of our rankings is also plain to see. Readlily available dat
a will show that parallel progression was made in terms of IRB World Rankings by the men's fifteens team for some years then... no progress. Apparently, we have not gained a single position in the World Rankings for over two years! Have we reached our limit? Why I wonder? And how can this trend be revived/reversed/improved?
Rankings October 2003 - December 2007
Rankings - last 12 months.
Possibly it is time to completely de-link the two sides. It is comforting to have the 7's world beaters in a team, but at what cost? You start to rely on them and the team cannot function once one or two of them are missing. I think there is enough talent in this country to do that and we should not beat about the bush looking for reason why we must have so and so in the team. And due credit to the 7's team management, they have BUILT a great team. Maybe it's time to BUILD a 15's team. But again, I forget, all we want to do is SELECT the team!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Weekend Games
Quite a weekend for Kenya 7's. That we are world beaters is not in doubt. And losing to the eventual champions is never a bad thing. And considering England beat New Zealand in front of their home crowd just shows the calibre of that team. My heartfelt congratulations to the team for that achievement. Listening to the KRFU chairman on Kiss yesterday, it must have been partying all weekend for them and I don't blame them. It was quite an achievement. The look on Paul Treu's face was worth it for me. Interesting what the Fijians think of our sevens.
We wish the boys well in San Diego this weekend.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Wellington 7's Update
Kenya won against Wales 10-7 in the main cup Quarter Finals before succumbing to an on-form England 0-26 in the Semi-Finals. They will now refocus their energies on San Diego in a week's time.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wellington 7's Update
Kenya had a mixed day, winning two matches and losing one to qualify for the main cup quarter finals of the Wellington 7's. They won the first game 21-14 against Tonga, lost the second game 14-19 against Scotland and pulled out all the stops against South Africa to win 22-17.
Tomorrow they meet Wales in the Quarter Finals.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Weekly Ramble
First an apology. I've not seen the KRFU Strategic Plan 2009-2011 so I will not be able to comment on that for now. Will work on having that in hand by next week. For today I will revisit the effect the Junior World Rugby Trophy is having on us here in Kenya. Other than totally overturning our season and making the fixtures a real nightmare, there should be substantial gains to be made by Kenyan Rugby by having the event held here. Worldwide it is accepted that if you host a major tournament, something, a legacy, must be left behind. The big wigs at the union must have wracked their brains dry to come up with this one. This article attempts to espouse what they came up with. I have my issues with that.
Firstly, the ground improvements. That the IRB is funding playing surface improvements over the next four years for the two pitches is good. Does this make the Impala pitch a KRFU pitch? Given, it is a private club, but "public" funds are being used to improve it. Can any rugby person or team apply to use the pitch at no cost, or with payment to the KRFU? I find that strange. When Mali hosted the Africa Cup of Nations, they build 4 new stadia in the universities. Public facilities for all to use. Why improve on a private facility. And with the limitations on capacity and other facilities for the two pitches, one wonders what the chairman's comments mean to do with spreading the game, etc. I also think that once more their approach is defeatist at the least. It is obvious that we lose more players in the transition from school to club and that affects our competitiveness at the top level. Pray tell, how will increasing the number of primary school players improve our rugby at the top? I would put more effort in improving the output at school level and working hand in hand with corporates and institutions to increase the number of clubs in the country FIRST, before going down to primary level. Several famous rugby internationals (from other countries) switched to rugby after their sixteenth birthdays! The whole article brims of hogwash and reminds me of this past article. Lastly, I think the amount is peanuts!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Best Run Federation?
That KRFU won this award must a pointer to the state of sports in Kenya. Anyone involved in Rugby will let you know that it is not all as rosy as it seems. With the Annual General Meeting slated for later this month, is there a possibility of house cleaning taking place? That I sincerely doubt. You see, rugby is a small tight family. Those with families will know that though there is harmony in a family, it does not mean that things are run "properly". For instance, there is no democracy in a household, just as in a company. Some things are run by decree, or by force, or by coercion, and no one else needs to know about it. The KRFU constitution itself is fundamentally flawed. Not all officers are elected at a go. It is allegedly to ensure continuity, but it also means you cannot sweep the board clean. A non-performing executive who is a good politician can stay on the board forever.
I will look at one situation here. As the best run federation, you would expect a certain level of transparency in its operations, least of all the areas of recruitment and tendering for work. However this is one place that thrives on cronyism and nepotism. To date I have seen maybe one or two jobs advertised in the newspapers, ever. Some jobs are awarded under the pretext of volunteering, only for the word honorarium to creep in later in the day and becoming the norm. A group of people just sit and decide that we will use so and so for this and so and so for that, no criteria, no credentials. Jobs are given to girlfriends, concubines, boyfriends and gigolos in equal measure. Senior offiicials of KRFU see nothing wrong with "entertaining sponsors" beyond the official limits. Many an official has been spotted with a "sponsor" firmly in hand at odd hours. Maybe hence the cosy relations between Union and Sponsors and the difficulty some companies find in coming in to sponsor rugby.
I recently got wind of the juiciest recruitment KRFU did. The job was sent round on e-mail, to a non-traditional KRFU mailing list. It was not sent to the regular KRFU mailing list with rugby persons, supporters and all. Interestingly, the people who got this mail now sent it to their friends in the rugby fraternity, as logically they were the most qualified/interested people for the job, and hence it got into the circulation they had tried to avoid. The recruiter for this job was a local head hunting firm and they shortlisted to the last three candidates, whom they presented to the board for selection. None of these candidates got the job. Instead the KRFU board personally head hunted an individual for the post and proceeded to appoint him with such haste there was no time for appeals. Even the mail informing people the position had been filled I think is yet to go out. Best run federation indeed! I have several instances where corporate best practice (or even common sense) has not been used to run the Union's affairs. More to come.
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