Kenyan Gold Medalist Kevin Ruhiu Kiarie has accused the Sports Ministry of making false claims about supporting his international competitions, escalating a public dispute over funding and his failed participation at the World Skate Games in Paraguay.
The row erupted after the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports issued a statement on October 7, defending how it handled Ruhiu’s travel arrangements for the World Skate Games ASU26 in Asuncion, Paraguay.
The ministry said it intervened after learning of the athlete’s concerns and directed officials to help him secure transit visa documentation.
According to the ministry, Ruhiu had informed officials that his travel itinerary required a transit visa through Panama.
The ministry said it began working through diplomatic channels to facilitate the process after the matter was brought to its attention.
CS Salim Mvurya said they also advised the athlete to consider alternative travel routes that would not require a Panama transit visa and requested an updated itinerary to enable further intervention.
The ministry maintained that the itinerary Kevin Ruhiu initially presented had already lapsed by the time officials handled the matter.
It further stated that despite follow-up efforts, the athlete did not provide an updated itinerary needed to advance either diplomatic engagement or alternative travel arrangements.
Kevin Ruhiu Rejects Ministry’s Support Claims
However, Ruhiu has strongly challenged the ministry’s account, accusing Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi of publicly claiming to support him while failing to provide actual assistance.
“Another lie,” Ruhiu wrote.
The skater said the ministry’s public announcement supporting his participation in the World Skate Games did not translate into financial assistance, forcing him and his team to raise funds independently for travel and accommodation.
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He further claimed that he has never received ministry support for any of the international competitions he has participated in, including African championships.
Ruhiu also questioned the ministry’s assertion that he had previously benefited from government support during international events.
In its statement, the ministry said the athlete had received support to participate in the Africa Skating Championships in Egypt and that cash awards from the Benin International Challenge and Africa Skating Championships had been fully paid.
The athlete disputed the claim, saying recognition and public announcements should not be confused with actual support.
According to Ruhiu, money had been approved for some competitions but never reached him.
He called on the ministry to disclose how much funding was approved under his name and explain what happened to the funds.
“I wrote requesting to know how much was approved under my name for any of my events, and we provided the documents. Kindly give us the response,” he said.
Kevin Ruhiu argued that government officials could have shown support by recognizing his achievements, including medals won in Benin and other competitions, even without direct funding.
The athlete claimed that repeated requests for assistance had not produced meaningful support, adding that he eventually missed some competitions despite approaching sports authorities for help.
World Championships Dispute
The latest disagreement stems from Ruhiu’s intended participation in the World Skate Games ASU26, scheduled for October 2 to October 18 in Paraguay.
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The ministry described Ruhiu as an accomplished athlete who has represented Kenya with distinction and contributed to the growth of skating in the country.
It said it remains supportive of his sporting ambitions and committed to assisting both established and emerging athletes.
CS Salim Mvurya stated that international travel facilitation involving foreign governments is subject to diplomatic procedures and depends on timely engagement and the provision of complete documentation.
The ministry urged athletes and sports federations to engage government agencies early enough to complete administrative, financial, and diplomatic processes before major competitions.
But Ruhiu insists the issue goes beyond travel documentation, saying the real concern is the gap between public declarations of support and the assistance athletes actually receive.
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