Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has sharply criticised the United States (US) for removing its team from the IAAF World Under-18 Championships set to be held in Nairobi over fears of a terrorist attack.
Mr Nkaissery noted that it was ill-advised for the Americans to do so without even consulting Kenya over the security measures put in place for the July 12-16 games.
The CS rubbished the US security speculations assuring other foreign countries in the Championship that Kenya was safe.
"Their move is far-fetched and far from the truth and reality on the ground. Kenya's security is perfect and there is no doubt about that.
"All our security apparatus and intelligence are in place in readiness for the championship," Nkaissery stated.
The Interior CS further mentioned that the military would be involved in providing tight security.
The withdraw by the US from the games comes days after New Zealand, Britain, Australia, Canada and Switzerland also announced that they would not be sending a delegation to the games.
In a press statement, the US Department of State said: "As we all are aware, security has become an increasing concern worldwide and in particular for official sporting delegations. As part of a review of all USATF security issues, USATF’s security team has conducted a risk assessment for our delegation for the 2017 IAAF World Youth Championships, also known as the IAAF U18 Championships.”
"The U.S. Department of State gives Kenya a crime and terrorism rating of 'Critical' the highest level possible. The State Department’s security summary includes risks for all types of crime, from theft to violent crime and terrorism. Given the “Critical” threat, the high cost associated with our team’s increased security needs, and that the team would be composed of children, USATF will not select or travel a team to this event," the letter read in part.
The games are set to be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
