Explain why Rio games were disorganized – Raila to Gov’t

The opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga now wants the government to explain to the athletes who represented the country at the Rio Olympics the disorganization on its part.

In his congratulatory message to the athletes sent to newsrooms, Odinga accused the government and sports stakeholders of bungling the Olympic Games, saying this affected the motivation and performance of the athletes.

“As a country, we owe these athletes an explanation on why they had to make do with so much disorganization and be exposed to shame while on this significant international duty. The government must get to the bottom of the shoddy preparations and scandals that dogged our team in Rio,” said Odinga.

“We must use this one debacle to send a very clear message that this is the last time Team Kenya will ever be pulled down by corruption and mismanagement. That is the least we can do for these young men and women who use their talent to bring respect for our nation.”

He, however, congratulated the team for its performance having emerged 15^th globally and top in Africa after winning six gold medals, six silver medals and one bronze.

“Once again, our athletes have brought honour and immense satisfaction to our nation, recording our best outing ever and emerging top in Africa in the face of very stiff competition in the Rio Olympics. We are immensely proud of these our young men and women who brought us honour despite very shoddy team management and a very hostile climate,” added Odinga.

“We congratulate the athletes for their perseverance, hard work and commitment. They remain a source of inspiration for our other young people, and they give us the confidence that when we have the will, we can overcome any obstacle as a nation.We wish them continued success in the many sporting events which lie ahead.”

There have been calls for Sports and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario to resign after Team Kenya complained of numerous challenges during the Rio Olympics.

During the departure of the last batch, World Javelin Champion Julius Yego’s air ticket went missing and the athletes were stranded at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for over three hours.

Kenya performed better at Rio compared to the 2012 London Olympics where the country bagged four gold medals.