Editor's Review

The CS also explained why the team was sleeping at the airport instead of at a hotel.


Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has refuted allegations that the government abandoned the Kenya Women Amputee team which was filmed sleeping at an airport lounge in Germany.

In a statement dated Wednesday, November 11, Murkomen maintained that the team had been paid all their allowances as was required.

The CS also explained why the team was sleeping at the airport instead of at a hotel.

According to the CS, the team could not be booked in a hotel because they did not have the Schengen visa. Therefore, the airline in charge provided sleeping arrangements for them at the airport.


Read More

  1. Gov't to Build Sports Academies in All Constituencies - Murkomen
  2. Faith Kipyegon, Emmanuel Wanyonyi Nominated for Prestigious Awards
  3. CS Murkomen's Message to Harambee Stars After Second Defeat to Cameroon


"The team members did not have Schengen visas, which prevented them from staying in hotels outside the airport. Considering their special needs, Lufthansa provided suitable in-airport accommodation, which was not even extended to the accompanying officials," read the statement in part.

"Contrary to the misleading claims circulating online, no complaints were raised by the players, managers, or accompanying ministry officials. Unfortunately, someone abused their privileged access by capturing video content without consent, violating the team's privacy and misrepresenting the situation as abandonment."

Further, the CS added that the team was on their way back to the country after securing fourth place in the just concluded World Cup in Colombia.

The team will be welcomed by Ministry officials at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Murkomen made the remarks after Kenyans raised concern over the team's treatment despite their excellent run in Colombia.

Earlier reports had indicated that Kenyans in Germany intervened to provide them with food.