In a landmark decision, the Sports Disputes Tribunal has annulled Charles Nyaberi’s appointment as Team Manager of the Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team, for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Lilian Mududa Waweru has been reinstated to the role, following the Tribunal’s acknowledgment of her legitimate initial appointment and active involvement in the team’s Olympic preparations.

Nyaberi, who also serves as the President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), faced scrutiny from volleyball stakeholders in Kenya over his appointment as team manager. The Tribunal found that Mududa’s sudden replacement by Nyaberi was unjustified and lacked a fair hearing or clear reasons.

The Kenya Volleyball Federation could not provide substantial justification for Mududa’s removal, failing to demonstrate any significant change in circumstances that would necessitate appointing a new team manager. The Tribunal emphasized the need for fair administrative processes and adherence to gender equality in sports leadership.

In its ruling, the Tribunal stated, “The nullification of Ms. Mududa’s appointment lacked proper justification and was inconsistent with fair administrative action.” It further highlighted that “the process of appointing Mr. Nyaberi failed to comply with principles of fair hearing.”

The ruling also noted the concerns raised by stakeholders, indicating that “the appointment of Mr. Nyaberi, who is the KVF President, as the team manager raised eyebrows among volleyball stakeholders in Kenya, reflecting a conflict of interest.”