Kenya to reach out to IOC over NOC-K disbandment

Sports and Culture Cabinet Secretary Dr Hassan Wario (left) addressing sports federations representatives flanked by Sports Kenya chairman Fred Muteti on August 29, 2016 at Safaricom Indoor Stadium, Kasarani. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Cabinet Secretary for Sports Hassan Wario said he will not rescind his decision to disband NOC-K but instead he would seek a meeting with IOC to explain why they took the drastic steps against the body.
  • Wario also reviewed the probe committee he had instituted to unravel the mismanagement that faced Team Kenya for the Rio Olympic Games.
  • Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei explained how NOC-K failed choosing athletics trials and residential training venues.

The government will in a week’s time constitute a delegation that will seek audience with the International Olympic Committee over the disbandment of the National Olympic Committee (NOC-K) of Kenya.

Cabinet Secretary for Sports Hassan Wario said he will not rescind his decision to disband NOC-K but instead he would seek a meeting with IOC to explain  why they took the drastic steps against NOC-K.

“We want to put our case to IOC on why we want the leadership at NOC-K reconstituted and the need for a new constitution governing the body,” said Wario.

Wario was speaking after holding an open forum with local sports federations at Kasarani where he had sought their audience after he disbanded NOC-K before appointing Sports Kenya to take charge on Thursday last week.

Wario also reviewed the probe committee he had instituted to unravel the mismanagement that compounded Team Kenya for the Rio Olympic Games.

Wario said he had been forced to make changes since some of the members in the previous committee had integrity issues.

The federation officials cashed on the occasion to pour out the frustrations and problems they have over the years faced under certain NOCK officials.

“It’s painful when athletes suffer but it’s more painful when you come to learn that there were there before and nobody addresses them,” said Wario adding that hard decisions had to be made. “We have to be honest with each and say NOC-K has been the problem.”

Commenting on the possible ban by IOC Wario said: “I know we rick the ban but we shall come out triumphant on behalf of our athletes…we just can’t continue living in sin because of peace. Time for talking is over and action speaks louder than words.”

PROBE COMMITTEE

Wario said the probe committee that should report back to him by September 30 should unravel what happened in Rio instead of dwelling on more speculation. “I know some people are accusing me about many things but I will not interfere with the committee since I want the truth to come out,” said Wario.

Paul Ochieng, a dean of students from Strathmore University will chair the probe committee while veteran and former international sprinter Rose Tata Muya will be his deputy.

The Committee has Nation Media Group’s Elias Makori, Elizabeth Olaba, Moses Kiptanui, Ibrahim Hussein and Njeri Onyango. Those left out from previous committee are Japson Gitonga, Charles Nyaberi and Moses Mbuthia.

Among the speakers at the forum was Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, who explained how NOC-K failed choosing athletics trials and residential training venues.

“NOC-K never wanted us anywhere near the residential training,” said Tuwei, who was also among top officials who missed accreditation and accommodation at the athletes village. “The shambolic travelling arrangements would not have occured if they consulted us but they didn’t,” said Tuwei adding that kitting was a serious problem. “The kit that had come out had different colours,” said Tuwei.

However, Tuwei said Wario should not engage IOC in a diplomatic mission after disbanding NOC-K. Tuwei said Wario should have gone for individuals who have been identified.