NAIROBI, Kenya, October 30- The High Court has ordered the Kenyan Rugby Union to lift the suspension of Philip Jalang’o who served as the director of national squads and elite performances before he was sanctioned in May.
Judge Isaac Lenaola, directed chairman, Mwangi Muthee (first respondent) and Secretary Jack Okoth (second respondent) to “permit Philip Jalang’o to participate in the Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for this (Wednesday) afternoon,” in his ruling earlier in the day.
They were also ordered to “permit Philip Jalang’o to participate in all other KRU sanctioned activities and meetings in the capacity of Board member.”
Failure to heed the order “shall make any party liable to be cited for contempt with subsequent imprisonment for 6 months,” a statement from Jalang’o’s lawyers Muthaura, Mugambi, Ayugi & Njonjo Advocates signed by senior partner Jomo Nyaribo read.
“I will be at the SGM this evening and I’m waiting to resume my duties as a validly elected member of the KRU board,” Jalang’o told Capital Sport.
The High Court will listen to other prayers made by Jalang’o in his suit on November 14 with Wednesday’s SGM convened to appoint his replacement among other issues on the agenda.
“Further to the KRU board meeting held on Monday 27th May, 2013 at the Kenya Rugby Union offices the Board suspends Mr. Philip Jalango, Director National Squads and Elite Performance from the board with immediate effect.
“He is therefore not authorized to act or speak on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union &/or its affiliates pending a disciplinary hearing. He is further suspended from participation in any Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) sanctioned activities.
“The National Squads and Elite performance committee has been reconstituted with Mr. Gabriel Ouko as the Convener,” the statement from the Union on May 27 on sanctions read in full.
Terming the suspension illegal three days later, Jalang’o filed a notice and when the Union remained mum on the subject, he moved to court for redress.
“As a direct result of the said press release, our client continues to suffer discredit and a negative image from Union members and members of the public in general.”
By stating in the same release “The National Squads and Elite Performance committee has been reconstituted with Mr. Gabriel Ouko as the Convener,” KRU were in essence inferring a “Pre-determined outcome of the disciplinary process,” his notice to file a suit read.
Muthee and his secretary were served the orders on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the SGM.
