Kalonzo urges support for below par athletes

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has asked Kenyans to continue supporting their athletes even when they perform below expectations.

The VP praised the role played by sporting activities in uniting Kenyans, but urged for support for the athletes when their performance at international games - like the just-ended Olympics - failed to meet the country’s expectations.

Mr Musyoka at the same time called for diversification of other sports disciplines in order to expand their participation and increase medals potentials in future.

"We should always encourage our athletes and stop complaining endlessly whenever things do not go the way we expect,’’ said Mr Musyoka.

The VP’s remarks comes after Kenya's Olympic team was berated for winning two gold, four silver and five bronze medals—a far cry from the 14 medals collected in the 2008 Beijing outing.

President Kibaki has since ordered for a report on the dismal show by the fancied group of athletes.

Speaking at the residence of the British High Commission in Muthaiga, Nairobi, during a party hosted in honour of 2012 Olympics team on Wednesday evening, the Vice President urged Kenyans to appreciate the role played by athletes in the development of the country.

The VP commended David Rudisha for winning Gold and breaking his own record at the London Olympics, noting that he had done Kenyans proud.

The 800-metres record holder broke his record at the Olympics clocking the fastest time of 1:40:91. Rudisha also won Kenya the second and last gold medal after Ezekiel Kemboi overcame a strong field to power home first in the 3000m steeplechase.

Mr Musyoka praised the United Kingdom for its support to Kenya, urging Britons to take advantage of excellent relations to increase level of investments and trade.

Sports Minister Paul Otuoma praised the role played by the athletes in marketing the country as the best tourist destination.

The minister, who had accompanied the athletes in London, thanked all those who participated in the Olympics and called for Kenyans to continue supporting them.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Dr Christian Turner was happy with the existing relations between the two nations, saying that the recent Olympics in London had strengthened bilateral ties between the two nations.

At the games, Kenya sponsored an investment summit running through the entire games where it showcased its investment opportunities and also used it to market trade prospects to other participating nations.

President Kibaki opened the summit dubbed Kenya House on July 31 three days after the Olympics officially kicked off on July 27.

Meanwhile, the reported deadly ethnic clashes in Tana River County did not escape the envoy’s mind as he called for an end to clashes in Tana River, saying the perpetrators of such violence must be brought to book.

Present were Permanent Secretaries Ludeki Chweya (Home Affairs), James Waweru (Sports) and National Olympic Committee Chairman Kichoge Keino among others.