CS Ababu Namwamba summoned by parliament

© Ababu Namwamba (Twitter)

GENERAL CS Ababu Namwamba summoned by parliament

Festus Chuma 05:32 - 18.08.2023

The Sports Cabinet Secretary has been summoned by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has called upon Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to appear before the Parliament's Committee on Sports and Culture. 

The absence of any representative from the Ministry of Sports to receive the triumphant Team Kenya upon their return from the Special Olympics World Games has ignited a storm of condemnation, as lawmakers demand answers and accountability.

Ichung'wah’s frustration was palpable as he addressed the issue, asserting that the Ministry of Sports must be held accountable for its failure to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Kenyan athletes on the international stage. 

“They win, come back, and not a single officer in the ministry or the minister himself has the decency and the capacity to receive them at the airport, an event to recognize and appreciate the good work they have done for our country,” he said.

Support for Ichung'wah's stance resonated across the assembly, with Members of Parliament nodding and stamping their feet in agreement.

Apologising on behalf of the government, Ichung'wah lamented the lack of acknowledgment for the athletes and vowed to hold CS Namwamba accountable for his perceived poor leadership.

“On behalf of the government of Kenya, I take this opportunity to profoundly apologise to these great sportsmen and women of our country,” he added.

“But even as I apologise on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya, the Minister, must appear before this House, and I will cause his appearance specifically to tell this House and to tell the people of Kenya why he lacks the time to attend to people who are representing our country and are good ambassadors of our country,” he concluded.

Daniel Wanyama, the Chair of the Sports and Culture committee and Webuye West MP, demanded that Namwamba not only attend the committee session but also provide a detailed report clarifying his absence and lack of welcome for the athletes.

Team Kenya at the Berlin Games scooped 15 gold medals, four silver medals, and six bronze medals during the games that took place in Germany's capital from June 17 to 25.

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