Ababu Namwamba Asks to Meet Officer Who Saluted Aldrine Kibet After Scoring

A photo of Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba
Photo
Ababu Namwamba

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on Sunday requested to meet a police officer who saluted Kenyan football sensation Aldrine Kibet after the latter scored the fourth goal during  Kenya's Under 18 CECAFA fixture against Somalia. 

In a statement, CS Namwamba expressed his elation at the officer's gesture holding that his action aligned with the Talanta Hela spirit.

Talanta Hela is a program launched by the Sports and Arts Ministry to grow the sports and creative industries and help Kenyan talents earn sustainably from their skills.

''Afande I am looking for you, that salute to our super boys is a Talanta Hela Spirit! Lets Talk,'' he remarked.

CS for Youth Affairs and Sports Ababu Namwamba during the launch of Talanta Hela on February 2023
CS for Youth Affairs and Sports Ababu Namwamba during the launch of Talanta Hela on February 2023
Photo
Ababu Namwamba

The officer was seen smiling as he saluted Kibet who at the time, was celebrating with his teammates as the young stars ran riot against Somalia.

Aldrine Kibet who has been shining for the Under 18s team, once again dazzled in the match, further cementing his status as a bonafide superstar in the waiting.

In his statement, CS Namwamba further invited Kenyans to attend the much-hyped Talanta Hela Trophy kick-off scheduled to be held today, Sunday, December 3.

This is the second time since assuming office that Namwamba has requested to meet an officer in person.

In November 2022, the Cabinet Secretary came under fierce criticism from Kenyans after a viral photo depicted the officer kneeling while cleaning the Cabinet Secretary's shoes during a tree planting session at the National Youth Service (NYS) headquarters in Nairobi.

''Dickson Loyerer yesterday graciously volunteered to clean my muddy shoes after a tree planting session at NYS HQ where he works.''

''Today we shared a cup of tea in my office, where he gave me NYS tips on grooming, discipline and skills. I have requested Loyerer to join my staff,'' Ababu stated after meeting him.

CS Ababu has been at the centre of various controversies in his current capacity. He was widely criticised for his appointments to the Talanta Hela Taskforce with Kenyans across the board questioning the criteria used to appoint the members.

President William Ruto and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwaba at an exhibition stand during the launch of the Talanta Hela Initiative at State House on June 8, 2023.
President William Ruto and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwaba at an exhibition stand during the launch of the Talanta Hela Initiative at State House on June 8, 2023.
Photo
Musalia Mudavadi