The National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOCK) has been forced to respond to claims that Malkia Strikers players were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) due to lack of transport after returning from the Paris Olympics.
This comes after a video, first posted by former KTN sports journalist Tony Kwalanda, showed some of the Malkia Strikers standing at the taxi bay on the night of August 6, drawing widespread criticism regarding the welfare of athletes.
The journalist alleged that the Team Kenya bus, which was supposed to ferry the Malkia Strikers players from the airport, was nowhere to be seen, forcing some of the players to opt for private means of transportation from the airport.
“Where is the Team Kenya bus meant for our Paris Olympics national teams? Malkia Strikers have landed from France, and some are opting to get private means to their final destinations. Why? Tony Kwalanda posed.
In its response, NOCK acknowledged that the eighth group, including the swimming team and Malkia Strikers, arrived safely in Kenya on the night of Tuesday, August 6.
Malkia Strikers suffered a 3-0 defeat to Japan in their final Pool B clash at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Saturday. The loss, with set scores of 25-17, 25-22, and 25-14, saw Kenya exit the tournament without winning a single set.
NOCK Breaks Silence on Claims
The committee explained that the athletes resorted to using private means as some simply wanted to go home to meet their families after intense training and competition in France.
It added that transport to a hotel and even accommodation is provided to all athletes.
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“As with all other arriving teams, they were welcomed by Ministry of Sports, and transport and accommodation were provided for all #TeamKenya athletes,” the statement read in part.
“Many athletes choose to visit their loved ones after weeks of training and competition, which is entirely their choice.”
NOCK emphasized that the government would continue to ensure the safe arrival and departure of athletes, even as the Paris Olympics are still ongoing.
“With four days remaining at the Paris Olympics, we continue to ensure that athletes arrive and depart safely and receive the utmost care from the government,” reads the statement further.
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Kenyans React After Viral Video of Malkia Strikers
The incident attracted criticism from Kenyans, who questioned the role of the Ministry of Sports in facilitating transportation costs for the athletes.
“This is absolutely pathetic, and a disgrace to our national team. Someone needs to get fired,” Gidion Rabut said.
Another X user, Rose Kemboi, demanded a detailed explanation on why the athletes were spotted stranded, questioning why there is a ministry in charge of their welfare if such incidents occur.
“Yet another puzzle? Can we also have a detailed write-up explaining this one? Note when you must explain, means work not done. It is not a wonder our athlete’s performance in the Olympics was the way it turned out. Deeper issues,” she said.
Blogger Edgar Obare posted, “@HusseinMohamedg @geraldbitok Malkia Strikers have touched down at JKIA, and guess what? There wasn’t even a Ministry bus in sight. They had to settle for Bolt and Uber. Is the Sports Ministry really concerned?”
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