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EXCLUSIVE: Keep off sports, Echesa warns Sonko


Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa has warned Nairobi governor Mike Sonko to stop ‘politicizing’ sports matters.

While speaking exclusively to Nairobi News at his office, the CS told the governor keep off his turf while demanding explanations as to why the national Amputee team played at the Amputee World Cup in Mexico while donning ‘Team Sonko’ jerseys.

“It is wrong for a County leader to start engaging in matters to do with national sports activities without consultation or engagement with the concerned authorities,” said Echesa.

TEAM SONKO JERSEYS

“Plus, all the national teams represent the country and 40-million Kenyans. The national team players must wear national team uniforms and not any other attire. I am not satisfied with the explanation as to how this team ended up wearing those (Team Sonko) jerseys at the World Cup and I’m asking the governor to do that,” he added.

Echesa’s sentiments come after he and his Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia were ordered to explain by Parliament why the Kenya National Amputee team played at the Amputee World Cup while donning ‘Team Sonko’ jerseys.

Accompanied by his Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia, he told the parliamentary committee, chaired by Machakos Town Member of Parliament Victor Munyaka, that all the issues that had arisen after the amputees arrived back home have been sorted out and the only pending business was settling their dues.

RECEPTION CEREMONY

“When I found them sleeping on the floor in my office, I told them that being a national team, wearing T-shirts bearing Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s name was not right. But I assured them they will get their allowances,” Echesa said.

Other than allowances, the government has also accused of failing to provide kit, forcing them to put on what was provided by ‘good’ samaritans.

Echesa also took exception with how members of ‘Team Sonko’ recently took over the reception ceremony of the Amputee team at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with the team players and officials snubbing the Sports Ministry officials in favour of Sonko’s ‘people’.

Sonko who has been on the forefront of supporting several sports activities, including Harambee Stars, Gor Mahia and Conjestina Achieng, was not available for comment.