Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi praised former Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Ababu Namwamba, for his contributions to the Ministry two weeks after he was sacked.
President William Ruto dismissed Namwamba from his position as Sports CS on July 11. On July 24, former Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen was nominated to take over the role.
While speaking at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Gala at Safari Park Hotel on Friday, July 26, Mudavadi acknowledged Namwamba’s efforts, including his crucial role in resolving FIFA’s ban on Kenya from international football.
Mudavadi further emphasized that Namwamba’s input and leadership is still needed in the Country.
“Ababu Namwamba was at the center of negotiations with the leadership of FKF to have the ban lifted,” he remarked.
“He was vocal in communicating matters relating to sports and other aspects of the economy, and I can confidently say that his talent is still needed in this country.”
The Prime CS stated that under Namwamba’s leadership as Sports CS, FKF secured Kenya’s upcoming role as a co-host for two major tournaments: the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for early next year.
Mudavadi also celebrated the historic achievement of the Kenyan under-17 Women’s National Team that has qualified for the FIFA World Cup in October in the Dominican Republic.
“Their success is a beacon of hope and demonstrates what we can achieve with the right support and determination,” he said.
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Namwamba Speaks
On his part, former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba who was also attending the same event remarked that the docket was “in a freezer and limbo but left it in a rollercoaster of success.”
“When I came our football was in limbo, it was in a freezer, but the last two years has been a rollercoaster of success,” he said.
“We brought AFCON, and I can’t wait to have AFCON here in 2027. We brought CHAN and I can’t wait to have CHAN here. The next big frontier is our women football.”
Namwamba, who is also a former Budalangi Member of Parliament (MP), had returned to the sports docket for a second term on September 27, 2022.
His previous tenure in 2012 was marked by achievements, including the enactment of the Sports Act 2013, which led to the establishment of several key sports institutions.
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The Former CS Facing Criticisms
Despite his efforts, Namwamba’s recent term was marred by challenges and criticism.
Initiatives like the Talanta Hela program, which aimed to foster talent, faced scrutiny. The Ministry also came under scrutiny concerning the official delegation list of players set to travel to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Allegations of mismanagement and unpaid dues related to the Talanta Hela project further fueled controversies during his tenure.
Members of the Talanta Hela Creative and Technical Committee reported unpaid dues and personal expenses incurred while working on the project.
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