Kalonzo: Kenya satisfied with India’s security and cleanliness

DENNIS OKEYO | NATION
Kenya’s Commonwealth Games overall team captain Ezekiel Kemboi (centre) receives the national flag from Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka. At right is Sports Assistant Minister Kabando wa Kabando.

Kenya Thursday expressed solidarity with India ahead of next month’s much-maligned Commonwealth Games with Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka saying they were satisfied with the conditions in Delhi and that Kenya’s contingent will travel to India.

Kalonzo said the whole scenario playing out in India had been “blown out of proportion” by the international media.

He said there has been positive feedback from the Kenyan advance party regarding security and accommodation arrangements there as they had assessed the situation, including the condition of the Games village where the athletes will reside. The Vice-President was speaking upon presenting Kenya’s overall captain, world steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi, with the national flag at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre grounds.

The VP confirmed that the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, P.S. Randhawa, held discussions with Sports Minister Paul Otuoma on Wednesday and assured the Kenyan team of adequate security in Delhi. Team Kenya is due to fly out in batches, starting this weekend, for the ‘Club’ Games that will run from October 3 to 14.

Join team of pessimists

The advance team, comprising National Olympic Committee of Kenya’s assistant secretary Stephen arap Soi, the team’s chief medic, Julius Ogeto, and track and field team manager Peter Angwenyi, left for India over a week ago to lay the groundwork for the team.

“The team has dedicated its resources and energy through local and international qualifications and we don’t want them to join a team of pessimists,” said Kalonzo.

“Even though some leaking roofs and a few mishaps can demoralise a bit, I believe India has prepared so much and we need to join them in a show of solidarity.”