Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has awarded the 2022 Kalasha Awards winners following a social media outcry by veteran hitmaker Sanaipei Tande.
Taking to her social media platform, X, Sanaipei lamented how the Ministry of Sports, Kenya Film Commission Board (KFCB), and the organisers of the awards failed to honour the winners twelve months later.
"One year later, no prize money and no communication on the same from Kenya Film Commission Board, KalashaKenya or Ababu Namwamba, but Ksh167 million set aside for Kenya National Theatre renovations in bids to develop and nurture new talent! What of the existing talent?" Sanaipei condemned the relevant authorities.
The Najuta songstress even alleged that the ministry had dispatched the money to KFCB, who later cut communications with the winners.
However, neither the CS nor the authority had responded to the allegations.
Responding to the claim, CS Ababu presided over a cash reward ceremony on December 13, awarding each winner a cash prize of Ksh 200,000.
He also encouraged the organisers to smash the ceiling as far as the Kalasha Awards were concerned and avoid depending solely on the government's support.
According to Namwamba, the ministry was keen on investing in film hubs by transforming the existing social halls into avenues where creativity can thrive.
The Kalasha Awards 2022 ceremony took place at the Safari Park Hotel on December 5, 2022.
Sanaipei Tande was among the list of creatives listed for the awards alongside Sarah Hasan, Abel Mutua, Eugine Mbugua, and Philip Karanja.
Also in attendance were key dignitaries, Nairobi Senator Hon Edwin Sifuna, The First daughter of Kenya and Zimbabwe, Charlene Ruto, and Tariro Mnangagwa.
However, following the uproar, this year's editions have been pushed to next year, as the 13th edition is dated March 2024.
