MCAs Uproar at Ababu Namwamba Event
Monday, August 21, was a difficult day for embattled Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba. Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from various counties disrupted an event he was scheduled to open in Nakuru County.
During County Assemblies Sports Association (CASA) competitions, the MCAs took advantage of CS Namwamba’s presence to air their grievances, even interrupting the speaker and demanding their unpaid wages.
Even though CS Namwamba was present, he was not speaking to the audience at that time. However, the MCAs took advantage of the opportunity to disrupt the proceedings, citing months of delayed pay and demanding immediate payment.
During the event conducted at the Nakuru ASK showgrounds, several parliamentarians approached the podium in an attempt to interact with the speaker.
The MCAs could be heard chanting “Haki yetu, haki yetu, haki yetu!” while brandishing various objects, including hats, amidst the pandemonium.
In response to the escalating situation, police officers were immediately dispatched to the scene to restore order and prevent any potential property damage.
The purpose of CS Namwamba’s attendance was to supervise the fourth edition of the games, which featured participation from all 47 countries.
During his address, Namwamba commended the county assemblies for their significant contribution to the development of athletics. He emphasized the ministry’s dedication to fostering the sector’s development.
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“The national government has forged a deliberate, purposeful, and structured working relationship with Counties to expand sports and the arts at the grassroots level,” he stated.
The week-long event will begin on Monday, August 19, and conclude on Saturday, August 27.
During the past few months, government employees have complained about the persistent delay in receiving their salaries, with some even threatening to go on strike until their arrears are paid.
The government clarified that the delay in salary payments was caused by the implementation of a new payroll system, a move prompted by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recommendations.
Sports CS has been accused of misappropriating funds intended for athletes and using them to fly out close associates.
Kimani Ichung’wah, a Kikuyu member of parliament and the leader of the majority party, asked the CS to explain why no representative from the ministry was present to receive the sports team that recently represented Kenya at the Berlin Games.
The lawmaker stated on Thursday, “You are not made a minister in this country to wave flags in the streets and force your way through traffic; you are made a minister to serve the people.”
MCAs Uproar at Ababu Namwamba Event
