Why Kenya Rugby Sevens Masked #MakeItKenya Branding During Paris Sevens

Kenya national rugby sevens team Shujaas on Saturday displayed a thrilling performance at Jean-Bouin Stadium triumphing over Fiji in the Paris Sevens by securing a 21-19 win.

Hawk-eyed tweeps, however, noted that the players were not wearing the #MakeItKenya jerseys, the official brand that aims at promoting Brand Kenya.

Sources indicate that the team masked the branding on their jerseys as a protest for unpaid dues owed by Brand Kenya - their sponsor.

[caption caption="Kenya Sevens wearing the Make It Kenya brand"][/caption]

According to reports, Brand Kenya had paid Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) when the team was on its way to Paris for the competition. 

KRU had not paid the players by the time they got to the pitch promising to channel the money by Monday.

The disgruntled players, who are contracted as brand ambassadors for Kenya, however, would have none of the excuses. 

In a statement released on Saturday evening, Brand Kenya confirmed that the money had been paid out to KRU for the branding partnership.

It further reiterated its commitment to the contract that established Shujaa Pride as a global ambassador for the country given their frequent brilliant performance at the global arena.

Thanking Kenyans for having given the team moral support and cheering them to their victory, Brand Kenya noted that KRU was working towards having the players receive the money as soon as possible.

[caption caption="Shujaa's fans"][/caption]

"Let us keep up the passion and spirit and cheer on our team. Let us go Kenya," Brand Kenya which campaigns to promote and enhance Kenya’s position as a global leader in tourism, commerce and investment urged Shujaa's fans.