NOWHERE TO RUN: Safaricom restates stand to withdraw sponsorship for feuding federations

The athletes cools down during the prevous Lewa Marathon in 2013. The Event will be on June 27, 2015 at the Lewa Wildlife Convervancy PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Safaricom chief executive Bob Collymore has reiterated the company's move to freeze sponsorship for sports federations embroiled in wrangles.

Collymore said it has been difficult for them to work with some federations that do not conform with the provisions of the Sports Act 2013, "for there are issues of legality in their dealings."

"Surely, it's very difficult. You have seen us support the Lewa Marathon, which is not only a sporting event, but a conservation thing. But you haven't heard us talking about any further sponsorships and until these things are sorted out. From now, you will not hear anything from Safaricom and the rest of the big sponsors until all goes right."

"We would like to continue sponsoring sports, but we will not do anything to them (federations) in the face of apparent unethical behaviour. That's if people are going to steal money," he said.

Collymore said sports is about representing virtues to be admired by all, only that there is lack of key ethics across the federations. "Whether it is wrangles, corruption, doping and all, we as sponsors have met with the Sports Minister and agreed that unless they resolve the issues, we will pull out from sport, because I do always protect my shareholder's money and I can't afford to give it to federations who squander and steal the money. This is what we will not tolerate, they need to sort themselves out."

"It's such a big letdown to see doping and worse when modern sportsmen get involved in doping."

Collymore spoke as he launched the 16th Safaricom Lewa Marathon to be held on June 27 in Lewa.

About 1,200 runners are expected in the race dubbed 'Run for a good cause', where its key focus is to raise funds for wildlife protection and support community projects around the conservancy. Athletes will compete in 21km and 42km categories for men and women.

Registration started yesterday and will close after the registration hits the requires 1,200 mark, with athletes from over 20 nations expected at the annual showpiece.

"We are doing it on a first come, first serve basis. So make sure you register early," said Collymore.

Lewa Marathon, which one of the 10 "must-do" marathons and the toughest in the world, is used to support conservation activities in Lewa Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust, Mt Kenya Trust, Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, Space for Giants and many others conservancies in the region.