Ben Ekumbo, the president of the Kenyan Swimming Federation (KSF), has resigned from the role amid theft charges from his arrest this past November.
Ekumbo stated that he will be officially stepping down from the role once an Interim Committee made up of four members of the national body’s executive committee, six members from stakeholders, and two members from KSF coast branch have been put in a position of authority to replace him. Ekumbo has not made it clear whether he will step down from his position on FINA’s ruling Bureau. As of now, FINA still has him listed as an official on their website.
In November Kenyan authorities raided Ekumbo’s apartment in Nairobi, finding both money and a kit full of supplies meant for Kenya’s national team. Authorities found Ekumbo hiding under his bed as they investigated further into the stolen property.
He was held for three days before he was formally charged with theft. Ekumbo allegedly stole $10,500 worth of athletic shoes, tracksuits, and bags supplied to athletes as part of Kenya’s sponsorship deal with Nike. Ekumbo stated that he plans to return the money, and that it showed up in his account without his knowledge. There has been no confirmation as to whether or not the money or items from the kit have been returned to their rightful owners.
This isn’t the first time that Ekumbo has been accused of taking money meant for athletes. In 2005 a former treasurer of the Kenyan Swimming Federation raised questions as to why funds sent by FINA to assists Kenya’s participation in World Championships in Japan had allegedly remained in a bank account while swimmers were asked to pay their own way. Ekumbo stated in that scenario that he had transferred the money straight through to Japan, and denied any wrongdoing.
In a letter announcing his retirement Ekumbo wrote, “After serving the Federation for over a period of 34-years in various capacities and eventually as chairman since 1996, I now deem it fit and necessary to announce my RETIREMENT from the position of national chairman after the following process is completed.”
Ekumbo has serves as deputy Chef de Mission at Rio 2016, and also stands as first vice-chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya.
The Farce that is Mr. Ekumbo’s “retirement”
1st Swimming never employed Ben Ekumbo – he is therefore not retiring but relinquishing an elected position whose term had already expired last year! KSF elections are supposed to be held during the Olympic Year. Those with the current KSF constitution can confirm this. IF elections were to be held last year – Ben and his committee have been serving illegally. Someone please post the current KSF constitution.
2nd Branches that have hardly got any Swimmers are now getting equal representation.
3rd A creation of Ben Ekumbo called Nairobi KSF is now recognized as a branch.
4th There is only one branch that is registered as per the law i.e. NASA.… Read more »
Mr Kisio you just hit the nail from the correct point. Let the people who adore the sport and are concern with swimming hear from you. Swimming among other sports is becoming a total mess in this nation. Now as we speak the swimmers are already in a mix. Look at the split in Nairobi….what the hell…Why cant we have one association running the activity bringing all the count swimmers together rather than creating more branches in the name of looking for positions. We cant grow and take the sport to the next level because we are failing and people who are failing us have nothing to lose, they are aging up and want to leave everything messed up. Its… Read more »
KSF EXECUTIVE COMMITTE HAVE NO MANDATE, THEY SHOULD QUIT WITH BEN NOW
Something we need to be aware of.
The KSF executive committee is elected from members who have been nominated by their various branches. They essentially represent their branches at the KSF although as One National committee.
They therefore have no mandate of their own. Their mandate is drawn from the branches that nominated them.
What this therefore means is that Mr. Ekumbo’s proposal to form an Interim Committee comprising members of the KSF executive committee is FRAUDULENT! This is the same as them having a vote at the Annual General meeting. Whom do they represent? Whose interests are they serving?
The proposed Steering Committee Can Only consist of… Read more »