The Kenyan government has issued a response following allegations of mistreatment involving the Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team, who were reportedly stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after their return from France.
The controversy erupted when social media users raised concerns after the Malkia Strikers, along with other athletes, arrived at JKIA only to find that the promised transportation, arranged by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports, was missing. Team members had to make their own travel arrangements to reach their destinations, leading to widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
In a statement released earlier today, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) addressed the situation. The committee confirmed that the eighth group, which included the Malkia Strikers and the swimming team, arrived in Kenya safely last night. According to NOCK, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports welcomed the athletes and had transportation and accommodation plans in place for all members.
NOCK clarified that some athletes opted to use private transport to visit loved ones after their extended stay in France. “Many athletes chose to visit their loved ones after weeks of training and competition, which is entirely their choice,” the statement read.
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The committee assured that the government remains committed to ensuring the safe arrival and departure of athletes, with the Paris Olympics still ongoing. “With days remaining in the Paris Olympics, we continue to ensure that athletes receive the utmost care from the government,” the statement added.
Despite these assurances, the absence of the designated team Kenya bus at JKIA drew significant criticism. Veteran sports journalist Tony Kwalanda’s tweet questioning the whereabouts of the bus highlighted the issues, prompting calls for better logistical coordination and communication between authorities.