While organisers of Gusii Sevens maintain that the logistical breakdown was 'a small internal affair', the statement may not after all vindicate the shambolic planning of the event.
By Sunday, players from teams playing in the semi-finals remained stranded after the referees downed their tools over delayed payments.
Mr Brian Mamboleo, a close aide of Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i, was quick to blame Harambee Annex offices for the abandoned tournament.
"This is what you get whole dragging Matiang'i who had after all given the tournament blessings. They know very well NACADA sponsored the tournament but someone like Kibagendi is still not satisfied. In fact, as Chief organiser, he's yet to pay referees," he said.
Mr Kibagendi is Youth Affairs Secretary in the office of the Deputy President. For months now, he has been coordinating DP Ruto's activities in Nyamira and Kisii. At times, he has been accused of hijacking events for the credit of DP Ruto.
But in his defense, Mr Kibagendi denied dragging Matiang'i's name for political gains, insisting that the technical hitches were normal. He also dismissed allegations that the tournament had failed to meet it's expectations.
"We didn't fail. We worked hard but such mistakes are normal. I don't want to drag someone. I haven't hired anyone to blame some individuals. This is fallacious," he noted in an interview on Sunday.
Earlier, Mamboleo had accused Kibagendi of hiring bloggers to tarnish Matiang'i's name. Dr Matiang'i is embroiled in a silent war with the DP, a move which is said to have precipitated withdrawal of security officers attached to a section of Ruto's allies.
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