Gor Mahia chairmanship aspirants to pay Ksh150,000

The Gor Mahia Electoral Board has rolled out the calendar of events in the run-up to the disputed December 11 club elections with aspirants for the chairmanship set to pay Ksh150,000.

According to a press release signed by the board chairman, Retired Justice Nicholas Ombija on Tuesday, candidates for plum positions of the senior vice-chairman, first vice-chairman, second vice-chairman and Secretary General will fork Ksh75,000 each.

Organising Secretary and Treasurer aspirants will pay Ksh50,000 with the charges for deputy SG, assistant SG, assistant Organising Secretary and assistant treasurer attracting a fee of Ksh25,000 apiece.

Members of the club interested in vying for positions should collect forms at the club secretariat in Nairobi between Wednesday and Saturday at 12:00pm local time (+3GMT) and will be required to posses Kenya Revenue Authority Compliance Certificate and Certificate of Good Conduct from police.

“All candidates desirous of offering themselves for election are requirements of Leaders and Integrity of the Constitution of Kenya,” the statement read.

The Nomination Papers should be returned by November 30 and the Board will publish the verified Voter’s Register will be published on December 1.

“The Board wishes to reiterate its commitment to delivering free, fair and transparent election and calls for co-operation for club members,” the communication stressed.

The notice to convoke the election was published on Sunday with the recruitment of members and collection of fees elapsing a day later.

The Gor elections have been plagued by controversy with some stakeholders accusing the incumbent office led by Chairman Ambrose Rachier of plotting to remain in power.

They further accuse Rachier and his team of amending the club’s constitution without consulting the members with a meeting called to close ranks last month at Nairobi Nyayo National Stadium ending in disarray.

Dissent against the sitting office has been simmering with the club failing to hold on to their Kenyan Premier League title this season for the unprecedented fourth year in a row.

In April, Rachier announced the deferment of the club elections to avoid the exercise affecting the team’s performance on the pitch after protests against his administration.

Initially, Gor polls were mooted for February with the club yet to comply with the Sports Act of 2013 that would make it eligible to be handed a CAF licence.

With the team still challenging for the KPL and GOtv Shield honours in September, Rachier applied for a stay of execution from the continental body to prevent Gor from being barred from the 2017 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions.