Champ Kamworor’s last salute for Kenya Police?

Geoffrey Kamworor might have sealed his third Lotto Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championships’ senior men’s 10-kilometre title, but the Kenya Police Service Corporal is a bitter man.

Despite winning the World Cross Country Championships and World Half Marathon Championships titles twice, and the World Championships’ 10,000 metres silver once, Kamworor, nicknamed “Man of all Surfaces” for his prowess in the track, cross country and road running competitions, is disappointed that his employer, the National Police Service, is yet to recognise and give him the respect he deserves.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES

The 25-year-old Kamworor on Saturday backed down on his intentions to dump the National Police Service jersey for another team to reclaim the national crown he had won in 2014 and 2016.

And after easily devouring the field, instead of walking to the press interview box, Kamworor made his way to the VIP dais at the Uhuru Gardens with an intention of giving Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett a piece of his mind.

Unfortunately, Boinett had stepped out briefly, perhaps for some refreshments at the VIP tent behind the dais. The patient Kamworor was left receiving congratulatory messages from the VIPs, among them Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei and National Police Service athletics chairman Joseph Kiget.

Kamworor had to shelf his plan and walked back for a session with journalists. “I really wanted to tell IG Boinett what I think. I wanted to tell him that I will not compete for them again,” said Kamworor, who tore into the National Police Service athletics management for “failing to s” his` achievements despite having won them several collections.

“I am disappointed that I have competed for Police for many years but they have never recognised me,” said Kamworor.

“I want to thank Kenyans who have supported me all these years but I am unhappy that my employer has never seen anything good in me.”

Kamworor said the National Police Service has never promoted him despite his achievements.

“My colleagues have been promoted several times yet I have achieved more than them,” said Kamworor, also the 2017 New York City Marathon champion.

“At times, it’s not about the money, but the recognition of someone’s effort.”

Contacted for comment, Kiget, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, said that even though Kamworor’s grievances will be handled at the administrative level, the athlete was “fine wherever he is” at the moment.

“Let him continue with what he is doing and all will be fine in the long run,” said Kiget as he cautioned Kamworor against complaining and comparing himself with some established athletes at the National Police Service.

“He needs to look at his age in relation to other athletes like Ezekiel Kemboi.”