President Uhuru: We'll act on those who caused Rio mess

Kenya's Julius Yego makes an attempt in the men's javelin final during the athletics competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics at the Olympic stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. President Uhuru has promised swift action against those who mismanaged the national team to the Rio Olympics. (AP PHOTO: MATT DUNHAM)

President Uhuru Kenyatta has promised swift action against those who mismanaged the national team to the Rio Olympics.

In a statement to newsrooms, Uhuru also promised the Government would address challenges athletes have faced over the years.

"These challenges have frustrated athletes who have proudly represented our country on the international scene and must be dealt with," said the President as he welcomed the team back home from Brazil.

He added: "This should and will be a thing of the past very shortly. We will ensure lessons are learnt, questions answered, action taken and full accountability achieved. We must all take our responsibilities seriously or be ready to face the consequences of our actions. This applies equally to Kenya's athletics administrators as well as other sports federations."

The Presidents statement follows incidents where some athletes and officials were denied tickets and accreditation. One official was kicked out of the games and deported as the National Olympics Committee of Kenya and Athletics Kenya fought for the control of the team.

There were reports that genuine officials were denied tickets and accreditations that were given to joyriders under unclear circumstances. Some athletes, including world javelin champion Musa Yego, went to Brazil without their coaches.

streamline management

President Kenyatta promised to streamline management of sports to stop Kenyans from changing their nationalities to represent other nations.

"It is important for us to have a proper understanding of the institutional, policy and administrative failures that have compelled Kenyans over the years to seek opportunities in other countries," Uhuru said.

The President however congratulated the team for their gallant performance where it won six gold medals, six silvers and one bronze. This was Kenya's finest performance in her history of the Olympics.

Gold medal winners were David Rudisha (men's 800m), Jemima Sumgong (women's marathon), Eliud Kipchoge (men's marathon), Vivian Cheruiyot (women's 5,000m), Faith Chepng'etich (women's 1,500m) and Conseslus Kipruto (men's 3,000m steeplechase)

"No one can dispute Kenya's position as an athletics superpower. We are proud of Team Kenya in Rio. We salute your achievement. We are grateful to those who won medals, joining the illustrious ranks of gallant patriots. We appreciate the hard work, commitment, discipline and focus required to qualify for competition at the global elite level," he said.