We lost a chance to show cultural diplomacy in Brazil

At the sidelines of the stellar performance by gallant Kenyan athletes, officials of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya managed to bungle the supervision of logistics at the Rio games.

Major embarrassments have been reported widely, among them how coaches were left behind while joyriders took their places, allowances were not paid to our heroes, sportswear meant for the team was stolen with there being a likelihood of it being sold in the local market and clueless government officials could not coordinate things as simple as accreditation.

This mess has wider ramifications not only to the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts but for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade as well. This is because cultural diplomacy is one of the five main pillars of the country’s external relations.

Under this pillar, one of the main objectives is promotion of sports as a showcase of the country’s prowess on the world stage.

Kenyan athletes are therefore recognised as ambassadors of what the republic stands for using their talent in bringing glory and honour before millions around the world.

Therefore, as cultural ambassadors our sports heroes serve as a powerful tool in improving a country’s image. They also serve to improving its relations with other countries and institutions as well.

Domestically, it contributes greatly in creating local, community and nation cohesion. Kenyans are offered an opportunity to hug, laugh, cheer, and share a meal or a beer together. They brave cold nights to watch our mighty Olympians.

They are overjoyed when the spectrum of 52 athletes, three boxers, 12 rugby players, an archer, two swimmers, one weightlifter and one judoka from different backgrounds do their best representing them.

However, the shenanigans displayed by No could be said to be a true reflection of the social, political and economic state of Kenya. Sports serve as an informal opinion poll of a country by projecting its true worth.

CORRUPT STATE

What happened in Rio is a confirmation of the image of the country as a hopelessly corrupt state. On the other hand other achievements in terms of the economy or technological advancement get watered down because no one will expect dishonest actors behind the scenes would allow any form of progress to take place.

Clearly we would have got more medals but due to our indifference, citizens are mistreated so much they opt to compete for other countries. Instead of fixing the problems that leads to this situation, we prefer to hound them with guilt for lack of patriotism.

Meanwhile no one sees the similarities of how economically the country is mismanaged in myriad ways, for example, through acquisition of more debt together with other poor decisions by officials, politicians or even business leaders within and outside government.

As the country complains about how the Olympians have been ill-treated it is also wise to remember that we do the same for our everyday heroes.

How many teachers, doctors, nurses, and lecturers strikes should we have to watch before the true natures of existing problems are truly appreciated?

How many more police go slows and how many more mistreated domestic workers should we see before we value how we treat each other.

Frequently patriotism is demanded of all Kenyans. Yet when it is given the state gives very little in return, whether it is in terms of services or even basic respect.

Citizens turn up to do their duty time and time again but the responsibility that is trust on them is always rewarded with a slap on the face.

This is shameful and it must be said that the humiliation faced by Kenyan sportsmen and women in Rio, who went to do their best in front of the whole world, on account of crooked officials is a dishonour to the whole country.

Once the said fraudulent officials are investigated, indicted and quite possibly fired, they must also be prosecuted in courts of law.

The same should also be applied to the practitioners of mega corruption and negligent laissez-faire administrator across the board.

The reputation of the country is at stake. It must be repaired and restored not only at home but also before the entire world.

Leonard Wanyama is a development practitioner and a part-time lecturer of international relations; Twitter: @lennwanyama.