IOC calls for dialogue as Kenyan crisis deepens
From left: National Olympic Committee members Francis Paul, chairman Kipchoge Keino, Peter Nderitu and Fridah Shiroya during a past press briefing. PHOTO | FILE |
What you need to know:
- Top NOC-K officials under investigation over Brazil Games
- NOCK secretary FK Paul and assistant treasurer Stephen Soi have been arraigned in court on charges of missing kits and financial issues during the Rio Olympics last month.
- Keino, treasurer Fridah Shiroya and Keino’s assistant Pius Ochieng have also been questioned by police.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has requested the government for a meeting to discuss its decision to disband the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) following the 2016 Rio Olympic fiasco, failure to which it will impose sanctions against Kenya.
In a letter dated September 2, from IOC’s Deputy Director General Pere Miro for National Olympic Committees, to NOC-Kenya chairman Kipchoge Keino, the IOC maintained the officers under investigation should be accorded a fair hearing according to the rule of the law of Kenya.
He wrote: “It is still unclear at this stage on which basis, if any, these actions have been taken against your NOC. However, they obviously constitute undue interference of government authorities in the powers and responsibilities of your NOC, which is a non-government, autonomous and legally independent entity whose primary existence and jurisdiction (and right to call it a “National Olympic Committee”) are derived from its recognition by the IOC, in accordance with the Olympic Charter.”
Miro however fell short of supporting the government’s decision of dissolving NOC-K by Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario last week.
NOCK secretary FK Paul and assistant treasurer Stephen Soi have been arraigned in court on charges of missing kits and financial issues during the Rio Olympics last month. Keino, treasurer Fridah Shiroya and Keino’s assistant Pius Ochieng have also been questioned by police.
“We also encourage the government authorities and your NOC to engage in a serene and constructive dialogue, with mutual respect, to clarify any misunderstanding which might have led to this regrettable situation," he added.
“If necessary, and if this could facilitate mutual understanding, please note that we would be ready to organise a joint meeting with your NOC and the relevant government authorities at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne."
The government is scheduled to visit the IOC headquarters to state its case next week. However, the IOC is dismissive of Sports Minister’s decision to lock the NOCK offices at Plaza 2000 in Mombasa Road and appoint a probe committee.
