Shadrack Maluki elected NOC-K President as Eliud Kipchoge Joins Leadership

Newly elected National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Shadrack Maluki during voting in Nairobi on July 21, 2025

Shadrack Maluki has been elected the new President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) following a hotly contested election held Monday, July 21, in Nairobi.

Maluki, the current President of the Kenya Judo Federation and outgoing NOC-K Vice President, garnered 15 votes to beat Tennis Kenya President Francis Mutuku, who secured 12 votes.

The long-awaited elections, which had been postponed twice due to disputes and court rulings, were finally held during the Annual General Meeting convened solely for the election of officials.

Initially scheduled for April 24, the election was postponed after four federations clashed over their voting delegates. A second attempt, slated for June 19, was halted by a High Court order, forcing the NOC-K to reschedule once again.

"This victory is a reflection of the confidence federations have in my leadership. I am committed to transparency, unity, and the development of all sports in Kenya," said Maluki after his win.

"My experience in judo and the NOC-K has prepared me to serve and elevate the Olympic movement in the country."

The voting bloc consisted of the outgoing NOC-K President Paul Tergat, two athlete representatives, a women's representative, and 25 NOCK-affiliated federations.

Notably, two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was appointed unopposed as the Athlete Representative.

Kipchoge, known globally not only for his athletic prowess but also for his advocacy on education and clean sport, expressed his excitement about the new role.

"I want to include every athlete in every federation for his or her voice to be heard on matters of education, empowerment, and holistic living," Kipchoge said. "This is the right time, because I've been in sports for more than two decades, and I need to give back."

Eliud Kipchoge, Athletes Representative and Shadrack Maluki President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya on July 21, 2025

Kipchoge's appointment signals a renewed focus on athlete welfare within NOC-K, especially as Kenya prepares for upcoming global competitions, including the 2028 Olympics. The First Vice President went to Barnaba Korir (athletics), who garnered 15 votes, while Anthony Otieno Ombok, also known as Jamal (Boxing), received 12 votes.