Fresh details have emerged that President Uhuru Kenyatta last week forced Deputy President William Ruto to make a trip to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics.
Reportedly the move was prompted by emerging news that there was a stinking mess that had marred the affairs of Team Kenya at the August games.
The reports had indicated that Kenyan officials were abetting foul play in the management of resources meant for athletes, coaches, and managers. It is at the height of this claims that President Uhuru resolved to have DP Ruto fly to Rio.
A true indication that all was not well was also revealed by our sources that Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario and his Principal Secretary Richard Ekai failed to turn up to receive DP Ruto. Instead, the DP was welcomed by Kenya's Ambassador to Brazil Mr Issac Ochieng.
On touching down in Rio, the team complained to DP Ruto that they were only being issued with one training and competing kit, notwithstanding that the team's sponsor Nike had provided adequate kits.
Some athlete revealed that the National Olympic Committee (NOCK) officials were diverting the kits for sale in Kenyan market.
“Nike submitted 1,900 pieces of uniform both for training and racing to the 52 athletes who were in Rio. Nike had a different set for coaches, trainers, and officials," said a Sports ministry official who had travelled with Ruto.
“Each athlete was given one kit for training and another for competing. The rest are understood to have been diverted to the local market here in Kenya. Nike were categorical that this was not the first time officials were failing to distribute uniforms to athletes and said they were fed up,” the Nation quotes the official who sought anonymity.
Cherangany MP Wesley Korir who also doubles up as the team captain had this to say.
“It is very unfortunate that each athlete was given a pair of T-shirts yet according to Nike each was supposed to get eight pairs. Sandals and sunglasses, among others, were also missing.”
However, NOCK chair Kipchoge Keino dismissed the claims saying every athlete was given enough kits.
"There is no problem with uniforms. All the athletes were e given enough pairs of uniform," said Keino.
One member who traveled with Ruto to Rio, however, faulted CS Wario and his PS for the problems that faced the athletes in Rio.
“CS Wario and the PS are not in the picture. They are incompetent and were not even aware of the DP’s arrival at the airport in Rio last Thursday. They were not at the airport to receive the DP."
“It is worrying that the CS and the PS are not aware of the list of athletes, coaches, trainers and officials who went to the Olympics except Mr Soi,” the official said.
Meanwhile, some speculations are still abounding that more than 200 joyriders that are friends and relatives of NOCK officials flew to Rio masquerading as athletes.
However, amidst all these challenges the athletes have continue to put up a spirited fight on the track and field events hoisting the Kenyan flag a record four times as the competition draws to a close.