A section of Kenyan football legends have faulted President Uhuru Kenyatta over the awards he issued during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Speaking to Citizen TV on Monday, legendary former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Mahmoud Abbas alias Kenya One and the great Rishad Shedu said they felt forgotten.
Abbas said it is better for the government to support and honour football legends when they are still alive, as opposed to contributing millions after their death as was the case with the late Joe Kadenge.
“I have attended four last Mashujaa Days and received nothing except praises which doesn’t help me in any way,” Abbas said as quoted by Citizen.
"I told the President as they contributed Sh5 million towards Kadenge burial to at least distribute that money while we are alive,” he added.
On his part, Shedu suggested that the government should put in place a medical fund to cater for former sports personalities.
“I still recall my first national team game against Malawi in Blantyre and many good memories but they are of no importance to me at the moment. l suffered a broken leg without any help from the nation… the same nation l offered my all,” Shedu said.
“At least a medical fund will be a good idea for the legends from the government to help us,” he added.
Their cry comes after President Kenyatta honoured legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart medal after his exploits in Vienna, Austria.
“On this day we celebrate those who have built Kenya with their bravery, their sacrifice and their fidelity; we celebrate and honour those that go above and beyond the call of duty,” said President Kenyatta during Mashujaa Day celebrations.