On October 11th, CS Sports Ababu Namwamba stood before the Senate, prepared to answer questions regarding his docket, particularly focusing on the treatment of athletes representing Kenya on the international stage.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, once again, lashed out at the CS, accusing him of neglecting these dedicated athletes who often journey abroad to elevate the Kenyan flag high.

Cherargei also leveled an additional charge – the CS’s purported indulgence in luxury while accompanying athletes to these very events.

Cherargei’s grievance was short and clear: While the athletes endured economy class flights, squeezed into seats with minimal legroom, Namwamba, according to the Senator, luxuriated in the spacious confines of business class.

Cherargei backed his claims with documentary evidence, presenting to the House the cost of economy-class tickets for athletes who recently traveled to Budapest, Hungary for the World Athletics Championships.

The figures on these economy-class tickets amounted to a considerable sum, raising questions about the disparities in treatment between the athletes and the Ministry officials.

Senator Cherargei posed an incisive question: “Is it in order, CS, that our athletes should at least get legroom and relax so that when they land and go to the Olympic village, they should get good relaxation on the way?”

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He sought to understand the logic behind the Ministry’s approach to the travel arrangements for athletes.

In response, CS Namwamba acknowledged the budgetary constraints faced by the Ministry but expressed a willingness to review the travel conditions provided to athletes if the budget allowed.

He also emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring athletes’ timely arrival at their destinations with adequate time to rest and train.

Yet, conspicuously unaddressed were the allegations that the CS and his Principal Secretary enjoyed first-class flights while athletes were relegated to economy class. This question loomed large, demanding a response.

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Senator Cherargei further revealed that athletes had suffered a severe reduction in their allowances during the Budapest meet, with their daily allowances slashed from $300 to a mere $60.

While he claimed that Ministry officials included “joyriders” and “girlfriends” in logistical operations, concrete evidence eluded his allegations.

The emotional exchange in the Senate drew attention not only to the treatment of athletes but also to the Ministry’s financial practices and accountability.

It signaled an ongoing debate regarding the welfare and fair treatment of Kenya’s sports representatives on the global stage.