Uhuru promises to crack the whip on blundering Nock officials

President Uhuru Kenyatta has on Monday pledged to deal firmly with officials who mismanaged Team Kenya at the 31st Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In a welcoming statement to the team that won Kenya six gold, six silver and a bronze in Brazil, the Head of State expressed his dismay at sordid reports of mishandling the athletes were subjected by National Olympic Committee-Kenya (Nock) officials led by Chef-de-Mission, Stephen arap Soi.

“The problems which frustrated many sportspeople on international assignment go a long way to erode incentives for our athletes to proudly turn up in Kenyan colours and win.

“They should be, and will be a thing of the past very shortly. We will ensure that lessons are learnt, questions are answered, action is taken and full accountability achieved. Every Kenyan must take their responsibilities seriously and be ready to face the consequences of their actions,” part of President Kenyatta’s communication read.

“This applies equally to our athletics administration as well as other federations,” he added.

The Head of State also touched on the issue of citizenship change that saw three Kenyan born athletes medal for other nations at the Rio Summer Games having switched nationalities saying mitigating factors must be addressed urgently to stem the talent drain.

“We also recognise our brothers and sisters who ably competed under different national flags at the Olympics. It is clear that our talent, values and commitment to succeed have made a strong impression beyond our borders. We must congratulate them as well.

“At the same time, it is important for us to have a proper understanding of the institutional, policy and administrative failures that have compelled Kenyans over the years to seek opportunity by representing other countries,” he added.

Ruth Jebet (women 3000m steeplechase) and Eunice Kirwa (women marathon) won Bahrain gold and silver while Paul Kipkemboi Chelimo took men 5000m silver behind Great Britain’s Mo Farah for USA. Incidentally, no Kenyan qualified for the final of that event.

President Uhuru hailed the athletes who did their country proud in Brazil despite the challenges they faced from blundering Nock officials.

“Our team has delivered the finest Olympic performance by Team Kenya in history. For a country with a long and distinguished Olympic tradition, this is a truly remarkable feat. Kenya was challenged on many fronts, both on and off the track and field.

“By winning clean, competing joyfully and being a united national team, Team Kenya represented our uniting values and enabled the world to witness them in action,” he underscored.

Athletes and coaches accused Nock officials of negligence, incompetence and high handedness before and during the Summer Games.

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