Embattled Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba faced a challenging situation on Monday, August 21, when Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from various counties created a disturbance at an event he was scheduled to open in Nakuru County.
During the County Assemblies Sports Association (CASA) games, the MCAs capitalized on CS Namwamba's presence to voice their grievances, going as far as interrupting the speaker and demanding their overdue pay.
Despite CS Namwamba's attendance, he was not addressing the audience at that moment. Nevertheless, the MCAs exploited the opportunity to disrupt the proceedings, citing months of delayed salaries and insisting on immediate payment.
A few of the parliamentarians even approached the podium in an effort to engage with the speaker during the event held at Nakuru ASK showgrounds.
Amidst the chaos, the MCAs could be heard chanting in unison, "Haki yetu, haki yetu, haki yetu!" while brandishing various items, including hats.
In response to the escalating situation, police officers were swiftly dispatched to the scene to intervene and restore order, preventing any potential damage to the property.
CS Namwamba's presence at the event was aimed at overseeing the fourth edition of the games, which involved participation from all 47 counties.
During his address, Namwamba took the opportunity to commend the county assemblies for their substantial contribution to the advancement of sports. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to fostering the growth of the sector.
"National government has forged a deliberate, intentional, and structured working relationship with Counties to grow sports and the arts from the grassroots," he stated.
The weeklong event will start on Monday, August 19, and will run until August 27.
Meanwhile, over the past few months, government employees have voiced grievances regarding the consistent delay in receiving their salaries, and some have even gone as far as threatening to go on strike until their outstanding dues are settled.
The government clarified that the hold-up in salary disbursement was a result of transitioning to a new payroll system, a move prompted by guidance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sports CS has been on been on the spot for allegedly misappropriating funds meant for athletes and using them to fly out close friends.
Kikuyu MP and Majority leader, Kimani Ichung'wah summed the CS to parliament to provide an explanation as to why no representative from the ministry was present to receive the sports team that recently represented Kenya at the Berlin Games.
"You are not made a minister in this country, to fly flags in the streets and bulldoze your way through traffic - you’re made a minister to serve the people," the MP remarked on Thursday.
