Kenya’s National Olympics Committee Disbanded

The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (Nock) has been disbanded by the Sports Ministry.

Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, said on Thursday that the committee members failed to execute their mandate in line with the Sports Act and grossly violated the privileges accorded to them.

“I do hereby disband the national Olympic organising committee of Kenya with immediate effect and transfer the responsibilities to Sports Kenya as the interim custodian,” Wario said.

In making the decision, Wario said:

“These allegations on the NOCK pose an immense threat that will adversely affect the stability and reputation of the Olympic Games in this country and thus detrimental to the interest of this sporting discipline in Kenya.”

“This not only contravenes the Sports Ac, Laws of Kenya but gross violations of the privileges accorded to the National Olympic Committee under the Olympic Charter 2013,” he added.

The disbandment comes in the wake of allegations of mismanagement of Team Kenya during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Read:

• Kenya leads Africa with 13 medals at Rio 2016 Olympic Games

However, as different leaders led by President Uhuru Kenyatta seek for answers over the alleged mismanagement, the Kenyan public has termed the disbandment as a sideshow as they call for Wario’s resignation. (#WarioMustGo )

Further, Wesley Korir, who is also the MP for Cherangany, had earlier lamented about  a water mix- up during the men’s Olympic marathon that caused him and fellow Kenyan runner Stanley Biwott to not be able to finish the race. Korir took to Twitter to complain on how they had been left to spent the night in poor conditions after the Olympics village had been closed.

Water mix up at 30k where i was handed Stanley's special drink and he was given mine caused both of us to suffer serious stomach problems!

— Hon wesley korir (@weskorir) August 21, 2016

“The best team in Africa and the second best all over the world in athletics and this is how they treat us!”

Unbeliable this is where the rest of kenyan team will spend their night today, after olympic village is closed! pic.twitter.com/h548Ds753g

— Hon wesley korir (@weskorir) August 24, 2016

He has already accepted to offer his evidence to the Central Investigation Department if called upon.

“I am ready and willing to hand over my report of Olympics mess to the CID if called upon.”

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (IOC code: KEN) is the National Olympic Committee representing Kenya. It was created in 1955 and recognised by the IOC that same year.

It is headed by its President Kipchoge Keino and General Secretary Francis Paul.

According to the Olympics’ Charter, the mission of the NOCs is to develop, promote and protect the Olympic Movement in their respective countries.

With the disbandment of NOCK, the trickle effect will be known later as it seems the CS breached the charter by interfering with an independent body. Part of the charter reads:

“Apart from the measures and sanctions provided in the case of infringement of the Olympic Charter, the IOC Executive Board may take any appropriate decisions for the protection of the Olympic Movement in the country of an NOC, including suspension of or withdrawal of recognition from such NOC if the constitution, law or other regulations in force in the country concerned, or any act by any governmental or other body causes the activity of the NOC or the making or expression of its will to be hampered. The IOC Executive Board shall offer such NOC an opportunity to be heard before any such decision is taken.”

The Rio Olympics probe Committee will carry out an independent inquiry of the alleged mismanagement and present the report to the Sports ministry by 30 September, 2016.

The eight member committee will include:

Mr. Paul Ochieng (Dean of Students, Strathmore university and National Archery official), Japson Gitonga (Senior Assistant Commissioner, Department of Sports), Mr. Ibrahim K. Hussein (IAAF Regional Development Center, Former Marathon Champion – Boston), Mr. Charles Nyaberi (Kenyan National Sports Council), Mr. Moses Kiptanui (Current Athletics Coach), Mr. Moses Mbuthia (Former NBI Provincial Volleyball Chairman, Secondary Schools Sports Coach), Mrs. Elizabeth Olaba,(Athletics Coach, Former discuss and shot put thrower), and Ms. Rose Tata Muya (National Veteran Athlete and Olympian, 1984).