Kenyans have expressed their disappointment following the sacking of Kenya Sevens coach Innocent Simiyu by Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
During his short stay with the team, Simiyu has taken Shujaa team to greater levels and had become a darling of the many rugby fans.
His surprise ouster comes a day after Tourism CS Najib Balala terminated sponsorship with KRU through Brand Kenya under his Ministry.
His sacking after he reportedly took responsibility for protests staged in Paris recently over unpaid allowances. The protests saw the Shujaa team abandon the 'Make It Kenya' logo on their jerseys.
Simiyu leaves four months before the expiry of his contract following his hiring in October 2016 on a two-year contract. Will Webster (assistant coach) is expected to take charge of the team at the upcoming World Cup in San Francisco, USA.
Kenyans have argued that KRU should take full responsibility and pay players their dues. Most Kenyans noted that it was embarrassing considering #Kenya7s was to take part in Rugby World Cup in less than a month time.
This has caused a public uproar with netizens 'mocking' mixed his sacking. Here a sample of tweets from KoT.
@randy ngala #kenya7s #boycottkru Fans are tired!!! The boys are tired!!! We need to be angry enough about this..Shujaa needs to be respected.
@chriskirwa #Kenya7s How long shall we allow the officials at KRU to continue doing this ? this must stop . @kenya_7s is our team
@kenya7s The sacked Head Coach Innocent Simiyu lead the #kenya7s team to their highest ever points tally in the world series
@omemudavid Someone said here, in Kenya if want to be sacked, just do a honest good job
@ZiggyYMYN Someone said here, in Kenya if want to be sacked, just do a honest good job
@Gmwelu Then there is the #Kenya7s players side of the story as stated here,only time will tell what KRU next action will be...now that the ministry asked the players to get their agreed allowances directly from them.Hii drama yote it's 28 days to RWC 🤷
@surambaya Shujaa is made up of true gentlemen. As usual, the youth teaching the elders instead of the other way around.
@Odhis Reeeally? Embarrassed the country? Yaani #Kenya7s just decided "let's embarrass this country of ours".
@esphanndobiaThe Rugby union should pay players their share coz they are the once donning this Jersey's. How can u market something that doesn't benefit you. Otherwise the officials should wear them and go to the pitch and play.
@dan_ongeri Can balala work without pay.. Did he listen to the boys grievances? Wait does Kenya have a sports CS