Sasha Mutai has stepped down as the chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Mutai made the shocking revelation on Friday, during a Special General Meeting (SGM) held at the RFUEA Grounds, bringing an end to a turbulent chapter of leadership wrangles that clouded the union since the beginning of the year.
His decision follows weeks of intense pressure and deepening governance issues within the union.
“I can read the room,” Mutai told delegates at the meeting.
“I want to thank you for giving me the chance to speak and defend myself. I am on record for everything I’ve done. I have done my best.”
Mutai, who had been in office for just over two years, leaves at a time when Kenyan rugby is at a crossroads.
His departure comes shortly after World Rugby issued a warning letter, expressing concern over ongoing infighting, poor governance, and a lack of transparency within the KRU.
The former chairman said he never came into the role to play politics, but rather to make a difference.
“Maybe I’m not a good politician — that’s one of my flaws. But I’m not a dictator either. When I believe in something, I go for it,” he said.
His resignation follows a motion led by KRU Honorary Secretary Ray Olendo, who had called for Mutai’s suspension over allegations of misappropriating Sh13.2 million through fraudulent invoices.
Additionally, the motion also included a vote of no confidence in Mutai’s leadership.
Despite the allegations, Mutai stood his ground and defended his leadership, pointing to key achievements like bringing back lost sponsorships and helping the Shujaa regain its place in the World Rugby Sevens Series and Lionesses back on top.
“I believe we’ve had a lot of successes since I took over. We were relegated, and now we’re back. We got back some of the sponsors who had left, and the 15s team is now in South Africa preparing for the July World Cup qualifier matches,” Mutai stated.
“Following into the footsteps of someone I look up to, Mwangi Muthee, I hereby tender my resignation as chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union.”
