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Kenya: Athletes Threaten to Boycott National Duty
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The Nation (Nairobi)
23 February 2008
Posted to the web 25 February 2008
Chris Musumba
Nairobi
Kenyan athletes have threatened not to represent the country in any competition citing security concerns following allegations that they bankrolled ethnic clashes in the vast Rift Valley triggered by the disputed presidential election results.
International Crisis Group (ICG) in its report on the violence pointed an accusing finger at athletes claiming that they used their immense wealth acquired from their participation in lucrative meetings to finance violence which has left over 1000 people dead mainly in Eldoret - the country's cradle for athletes.
AK chairman Isaiah Kiplagat has dismissed the allegations and has asked the government to investigate the matter and give security assurance to the athletes as they prepare the coming international competitions.
Former World marathon record holder Paul Tergat has already added his voice on the athletes plight asking the government to safeguard them from being targeted by individuals who are jealousy of their achievements in life.
Kiplagat said the ICG allegation lacked tangible evidence that could link any athlete, coach or agent to the violence. He warned that the assertion will have a negative effect on the country's performance in major events across the world.
"Athletes are ambassadors and they do duty for the country. These claims have no basis. I read a lot of mischief in it. Now athletes are calling AK vowing not to put on national colours again as the issue touches on their security which is already under severe threat since the country plunged into civil unrest following the election," said Kiplagat.
The allegation comes when Kenya is preparing for the World Indoor Games in Valencia in two weeks time, World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh (March 30) and the Olympics
Ibrahim Hussein, a Boston Marathon champion said the allegation are from those who fear the ability of Kenyan athletes on the track and want to make the world to believe they are behind the violence so that they are banned from travelling outside the country.
"Athletes fortunes are growing but there can be no justification for one to accuse them of bringing about these wars. People behind this are after convincing the international community to deny them visas, its is personal vendetta against these athletes," he said.
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Kiplagat asked athletes to keep training, while being cautious over their security. He also confirmed that Kenya must participate in all the international competitions. "We can not allow these people to succeed to win through the back door by demoralizing our runners," he said.
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