Sports Cabinet secretary Rashid Echesa came out to strongly condemn Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s interference in matters sports.
His comments were motivated by the recently concluded Amputee World Cup in Mexico where the national team played wearing ‘Team Sonko’ Jerseys.
“All the national teams represent the country and 40-million Kenyans. The national team players must wear national team uniforms and not any other attire,” Echesa was quoted by the Nation.
Echesa and his team had recently been summoned to Senate where, among other issues, were asked to explain why the amputee team wore sports kits bearing the governor’s name.
He also expressed his displeasure in how the county head took over the team’s reception ceremony at the airport during their return from Mexico.
“It is wrong for a county leader to start engaging in matters to do with national sports activities without consultation or engagement with the concerned authorities,” Echesa stated.
The team defended their move citing that the government did not provide them with the necessary kits and therefore, they were forced to make do with what they had.
The ministry has also been on the spot recently after photos of the amputee team sleeping on the floor outside Echesa’s office emerged.
The team had camped there overnight to demand that their allowances be paid.
Governor Sonko has recently taken a liking to matters sports. Just recently, the Governor took the initiative to help Conjestina Achieng, a former boxer who has been battling mental health Issues.
