Embattled Nock boss Ekumbo quits KSF after 34 years

The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (Nock) first vice-chairman Ben Ekumbo has retired as the Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) president.

Ekumbo who has served the federation for a decade as its head along with 24 other years in various roles, announced his retirement on Saturday while expressing his desire to oversee a smooth transition when he finally trudges off after a turbulent 2016 in which his leadership has endured uncomfortable reviews from stakeholders at the KSF.

“My decision is after several consultative meetings with various stakeholders and after obtaining pertinent views we have agreed on the way forward as per the road map below, as per the constitution,” Ekumbo said in a letter addressed to chairmen of the KSF provincial branches.

Ekumbo called a National Executive Committee gathering over the weekend where he announced his decision and he is set to convene a Special General Meeting by end of the month.

The long serving federation boss added that he will formulate an Interim Committee comprising four members of the KSF Executive Committee, six members from the parents’ stakeholders and two members from the KSF coast branch to manage the transition process.

Ekumbo was dramatically arrested under his bed on November 21 in his apartment in Westlands, Nairobi as investigations on the Rio 2016 Olympics fiasco intensified.

Bales of kits and equipment meant for Team Kenya for the Games were recovered by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers with Ekumbo serving as Deputy Chef-de-Mission for Team Kenya in Rio.

Ekumbo was arraigned in court where he denied stealing KSh1m (USD10,500) which he later offered to return and further denied corruption charges in KSF.

He is also being and is being investigated on the serious charges of alleged child molestation with young swimmers.

Ekumbo is the fourth Nock official facing charges over the Rio 2016 scandal.