The government through its spokesman, Cyrus Oguna, has explained why Kenya's team at the just concluded Tokyo Olympics was not accorded VIP reception upon landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Oguna explained that Team Kenya Olympians were not received with expected dignity and majesty due to Covid-19 restrictions and protocols put in place.
The government spokesman revealed that the stars, including Eliud Kipchoge who set a world record and received admiration across the world, would not be given a five-star reception at JKIA as is the custom, for fear of attracting a huge crowd.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Col. Oguna noted that such a reception would have violated protocols put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
"These guys were well received, but the major reason why it was not grand was fear of contravening Covid-19 restrictions and protocols," said Col. Oguna.
The response by the spokesperson follows an uproar on social media on Wednesday, August 11, by a section of Kenyans.
Kenyans protested the poor reception of world beaters who represented the country in the just concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The athletes were not accorded a grand reception by the Ministry of Sports, despite having displayed an impressive performance in the Olympics.
Olympic World Record Holder, Eliud Kipchoge, was only received by his family members and friends at the JKIA.
Eliud Kipchoge is the third person in history to consecutively defend a gold medal at the Olympics, a feat that many across the world highly appreciated.
Kenya emerged as the top-performing country in the continent at the Olympics, after bagging 10 medals, which included 4 gold medals, 4 bronze medals, and two silver medals.
