Seasoned sportsman and journalist Fred Arocho has stated that Kenyan athletes are attracted to run for foreign countries due to better pay.
In a sit-down session on Mchakamchaka with Duncan Mutua, Fred highlighted that there was no need to ignore the obvious remuneration for athletes in Kenya.
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Fred was responding to Radio47’s Lucky Herriano stating that Kenyan Athletes venture to Middle Eastern countries for a chance to run.
According to Lucky Herriano, Kenyan athletes decide to change sides because they don’t get the opportunity to prove themselves in Kenya.
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Arocho’s take
However, Arocho differed with Lucky stating that the motivation to represent a different country in races for Kenyan athletes was more than just running.
Arocho emphasized that the choice to represent other nations in international races was motivated by money.
“Mtu kwenda kukimbilia Barhrain ni senti, tisidanganyane, ni senti” Arocho stated.
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Additionally, Arocho shared that any other reason given by a Kenyan athlete representing another country for reasons other than pay was an excuse.
Moreover, he shared that representing another country over not qualifying for trials for different races in Kenya was just talk.
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“Mimi hizi visababu ati ooo, nilienda mchujo nikakatwa ndio maan nimeenda Bahrain, tuwache kudanganyana,” stated Arocho.
In a twist of events, Arocho went on to state that if he had been in a position to run for Bahrain, it would have been for the money.
“Mimi Arocho ndio niweze kukimbilia nchi ya Bahrain, ni mfuko wamenipa. Tusidanganyane!” Arocho said.
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Arocho: You cannot eat patriotism
When pressed on athletes running to represent their country, Arocho shared his skepticism on Kenyan athletes being too patriotic.
He went on to share that running for fame without money made no sense for any young Kenyan athlete in the country.
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In Arocho’s opinion he shared that, if it were him in that situation, he would take the money over recognition with no financial backing.
“Siwafichi, miaka kumi na nane, nimepewa mfuko, nije kukimbilia Kenya ati kupewa tu sifa? Aaah baba, nachukua mfuko saa kumi na mbili asubuhi,” Arocho insisted.
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The seasoned sports journalist also highlighted the need to be realistic with Kenyan sportsmen and women.
“Tuwache kudanganyana hapa ati uzalendo. Aaaaah! Mimi sijawahi kula uzalendo bwana,” Arocho said.
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