This year’s Kenya Olympiad Qualifier’s Tournament brought the players some anxious moments due to the ongoing power struggle between the X-officials (Githinji, Atwoli & Singe) affectionately called “GAS” faction and the Interim Chess Kenya (“ICK” faction) officials led by Benard Wanjala, John Mukabi & Satish Deshpande.
The Olympiad Qualifiers organised by “ICK” was held on 11th, 12th, 17th 18th & 19th June 2016 at the KCB Club, Ruaraka, Nairobi. The “GAS” Qualifiers are schedule to start in the next few days.
Drama continued last weekend when players were sent the following email;
REMINDER #2
Dear all,
Please refer to attached Interim Order.
You are ADEQUATELY advised that persons masquerading as Interim Chess Kenya officials are NOT mandated to organise the any National team qualifier event. Chess Kenya will proceed with its qualifier between 22-26 June as planned.
Kind regards,
Githinji Hinga
Chairman
Chess Kenya
I guess a picture says a thousand words!
The line up for the Kenya team is shown below.
Open
1. CM Ben Magana
2. Joseph Methu
3. Jackson Ndegwa
4. CM Kenneth Omolo
5. Mehul Gohil
6. Steve Ouma (Coach)
Ladies
1. WFM Riya Shah
2. WCM Joyce Nyaruai
3. WCM Purity Maina
4. Gloria Jumba
5. WCM Jane Wambugu
7. Moses Andiwoh (Coach)
We will bring you some highlight from the 2016 Baku Olympiad Qualifiers Tournament in the next couple of days.
