Wrestlers accuse Nock of malice after Commonwealth ouster

Three wrestlers have lodged a complaint over the criterion used to select Team Kenya for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Australia.

All African Games  bronze medalist Hollis Ochieng, Sammy Alego  and Leah Njogu – all of whom missed the Gold Coast cut – are citing malicious omission and irregularities in the recently concluded selection.

Ochien’g made stunning accusations against a top National Olympics Committee  of Kenya (Nock) official whom he claimed was the influencing hand that pushed him out of the squad due to their sour past.

“This is not the first event that Kariuki has frustrated us. He did the same in 2015 but we sought the intervention of the Sports Director General Gordon Oluoch who sorted the matter after hearing our case,” the freestyler told Citizen Digital.

He further accused Kariuki of assuming all the roles of a Team Manager, and coach at the same time, with his sentiments shared by his aggrieved counterparts.

However, wrestling head coach Linus Masheti has denied the allegations by terming them baseless.

“Initially we used to get ten Commonwealth slots but this time we were only given two which presents a huge selection headache. We had to use the African Championship games that took place in Nigeria as the Litmus test,” he explained.

The tactician emphasised they chose outstanding  performers in silver medallist Lillian Kiende (NYS), John Omondi and Daniel Moseti( Bronze winner).

“It’s unfortunate that  even among the three  one of them will have to be left out. There will be complaints but our hands are tied.”

The trio has vowed to seek the intervention of the Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Heritage Rashid Echesa on the matter.