The entire Kenya Rallies Commission leadership has resigned citing internal conflicts and ineffective leadership within the Kenya Motorsport Federation (KMSF).
The resignation which came on 30th August 2024 has eroded trust among stakeholders and negatively impacting the sport.
Kenya Rallies Commission leadership said lack of effective leadership from the KMSF Board and Council led to the mass resignation leaving a huge leadership void.
Notable figures among those who resigned include World Rally Championship (WRC) winner Ian Duncan, African Rally Championship (ARC) winner Karan Patel, and top female co-drivers Linet Ayuko and Tuta Mionki.
FIA-certified officials such as Musa Locho, Norris Ong’alo, Gurvir Bhabra, Shameer Yusuf, and Richard Onyoni also stepped down following the appointment of Jim Kahumbura as KMSF chairman, replacing Maina Muturi.
In a letter addressed to the Motorsport Council Chairman, Richard Onyoni, who served as the Kenya Rallies Commission chairman, emphasized the commission’s commitment to upholding the sport’s integrity and best interests.
“As Chairman of the Rallies Commission, and on behalf of its members, we hereby tender our immediate resignation from our roles,” Onyoni stated.
He pointed out that the disruptive internal conflicts, stemming from the lack of leadership within the KMSF Board and Council, have hindered their ability to perform their duties effectively.
The now-public conflicts have undermined confidence among stakeholders, competitors, and sponsors, whom the Rallies Commission is obligated to serve.
“The lack of leadership from the KMSF Board and Motorsport Council, which has led to internal wrangles, severely impacting our mandate to perform and carry out our duties and obligations. As a result of these internal wrangles, which are now being played out in public, there is a total lack of confidence among the stakeholders, competitors, and sponsors, all of whom we, as the Rallies Commission, are obliged to serve,” he added.
Onyoni further highlighted that the members of the Rallies Commission have made significant positive contributions to the sport and expressed their reluctance to engage in matters that do not benefit Motorsports in Kenya.
