United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politicians are continuing to raise serious concerns regarding the performance of Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba.
The party’s members are expressing their dissatisfaction with the way he is handling his ministerial responsibilities.
Yesterday, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei joined the ranks of parliamentarians who are openly castigating the CS.
Cherargei, in particular, highlighted the perceived exploitation of athletes within the country.
Cherargei’s criticisms echo those made earlier by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, who accused Namwamba of underperforming in the sports docket.
Cherargei went even further, asserting that the mismanagement of the ministry was leading it down a path of oblivion.
He posed the question, “How can ministry officials afford to fly first class to Budapest, Hungary, accompanied by their girlfriends, all at the expense of our hardworking athletes?”
The Senator also alleged that certain unidentified officials within the sports ministry were exploiting female athletes.
Cherargei has urged Parliament to summon the CS for questioning, with the aim of preventing what he termed “disastrous mismanagement” of the country’s sports sector.
Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, on August 17, vowed to bring the CS before Parliament to address the claims of athlete neglect.
Ichungwa expressed his outrage at reports that the entire ministry, led by Namwamba, had failed to adequately support the athletes representing Kenya at the Berlin Games.
Speaking on the parliamentary floor, Ichung’wah took the opportunity to admonish Namwamba, reminding him that the role of a minister extended far beyond flying flags in the streets and navigating traffic with Subaru escorts.
The Kikuyu MP emphasized that Namwamba had been appointed to serve the sportsmen and women of the nation.
Just a fortnight ago, Namwamba stirred controversy when he arrived at Bukhungu Stadium in a helicopter during the finals of the Kenya Secondary School Games.
This unexpected entrance caused the ongoing match to be momentarily paused, highlighting what some critics deem a disregard for proper protocols and practicality.
Despite the availability of nearby pitches, the minister’s choice to land in the middle of the stadium raised questions about his decision-making.
