By Vincent Munga
A group of Sports journalists who are aspiring to lead it’s outfit- Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) are calling for a level playing ground a head of the March 4 election.
Led by People Daily editor James Waindi, who is contesting to be the association’s president, the group going by it’s moniker, ‘Team Nguvu Mpya’ said they have been reaching out for the outgoing office in order to be furnished with crucial materials which would guide them in their preparations but their requests have been turned down.
“With just a week to the election, 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,” part of the statement read by Cellestine Olilo of Nation Media Group, who wants to be the treasurer of the body inquired.
The group wondered how independent the process will be since the office holders are the one organising the election despite some of the members defending their seats.
“We would also like to know whether the voters register is still being populated, and when it will be closed,” Olilo added.
Other ‘Team Nguvu Mpya’ members in the race include, Standard Group’s Moses Wakhisi (secretary general) and Mukami Wambora (organising secretary). Abula Ahmed (K24) and Dennis Okeyo (Standard Group) are jostling for executive membership while Agnes Makhandia (NMG) and Geoffrey Mwamburi (Radio Citizen) are vying to be members.
The team said if elected, their intention will be to accommodate all sports journalists in the country and fight for their wellbeing as fairness and transparency guides them to steer the association forward.
