Former Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has withdrawn his appeal challenging a Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) decision that ended his appointment as patron of Gor Mahia Football Club.
In a notice filed at the Milimani High Court on Friday, Owalo, through Nchoe, Jaoko & Company Advocates, withdrew both his application for conservatory orders and the memorandum of appeal filed on 5 August.
The withdrawal follows the High Court’s refusal to grant the conservatory orders sought against the SDT decision delivered on 4 August in case SDTS No. E024 of 2026.
The High Court case, registered as Civil Appeal No. HCCA-E639 of 2026, involved Owalo and five respondents: Samuel Ochola, Ambrose Rachier, Sally Bolo, Nick Arum and Gerphas Okuku.
The dispute arose from proceedings at the SDT over the leadership and governance of Gor Mahia, one of Kenya’s leading football clubs.
Ochola initiated the tribunal proceedings, with Rachier, Bolo, Arum and Okuku named as respondents and Owalo listed as an interested party.
In the withdrawal notice, Owalo said he was abandoning both the application and the appeal.
“Take notice that the appellant herein has withdrawn the entire Notice of Motion application dated 5th August, 2026 as well as the Memorandum of appeal dated 5th August, 2026,” the notice says.
The document, dated 14 August and signed by Nchoe, Jaoko & Company Advocates, does not give a reason for the withdrawal.
Owalo had sought temporary orders to preserve the position pending the hearing and determination of his intended appeal against the SDT decision.
The withdrawal means he will no longer pursue those orders or the appeal through the High Court proceedings filed on 5 August.
According to the High Court documents, the SDT ruling of 4 August cancelled Owalo’s appointment as Gor Mahia patron.
With the appeal withdrawn, the SDT decision remains in force unless it is challenged or overturned through another legal process.
The development is likely to shift attention to Gor Mahia’s internal governance structures and the procedures governing the appointment of its patron.
Any attempt by Owalo to return to the position would have to be pursued within the club’s governing framework and any applicable legal requirements.
The notice formally identifies the matter as an appeal arising from the Sports Disputes Tribunal, Milimani Law Courts, in SDTS No. E024 of 2026
It concludes dated at Nairobi this 14th day of August, 2026.”The withdrawal brings to an end Owalo’s latest High Court challenge to the SDT decision and leaves the tribunal’s ruling standing.
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