A Section Of SJAK Aspirants Reads Ill-Motive In The Forthcoming Elections
A section of aspirants in the forthcoming Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) elections have expressed concerns with the flow of information, and accused the current office of unfairly playing their cards close to their chest.
The team led by Cellestine Olilo, the aspiring SJAK Treasurer and a renowned sports journalist, have read ill motive with the manner in which the electoral process is being handled.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Nyayo National Stadium, Ms Olilo revealed that effort by Nguvu Mpya to access information in regards to the elections have been blatantly ignored by the current secretariat. Nguvu Mpya Team accused the Secretariat of failure to address critical issues touching on the elections.
“With just a week to the elections, we have information that the sports council will conduct the election. We would like to know when this body will be brought on board, which electoral guidelines they will follow, and if there will be room for appeal, in case of any dispute,” she said.
“Some members of the current SJAK office are defending their seats. For this reason, we are wondering how independent the process will be, because until now, SJAK is the one organizing elections. How level will the ground be?’’ asked Olilo
Ms Olilo added, “To cure these two concerns, and to avoid being blindsided at the last minute, we have requested an urgent meeting with the sports council, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. This meeting is procedural,and very crucial for success or the election. We’d like to know whether the Voters register Is it still being populated, and when it will be closed.
Moses Wakhisi, the aspiring SJAK Secretary General, noted that one of the main agendas of Nguvu Mpya team will be to amend the constitution to make it more inclusive and beneficial to members.
“I respect the current office, for they have done their best. We are however of the opinion t h a tthe time for change has come, and that we need fresh minds at the helm of our association. Iappreciatethe sponsors and appeal toe v e n more support from the corporate world when we get into office,” Wakhisi said.
He added: “We plan to make SJAK great again, and we are keen to waive the monies that some members owe the association so that we can move forward together.”
Veteran scribe James Waindi will be seeking the chairman’s seat at the polls, while former Citizen TV Sports Anchor Mukami Wambora will seek the mandate of the members to be the next Organising Secretary position. K24 Sports Editor And Anchor Abuller Ahmed will be going for the Executive Member position.
Election will be Held On 4th March, 2023.
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