Wario warns federation officials against politics

By Erick Ochieng’

Nairobi, Kenya: Secretary for Sports, Culture and Art Hassan Wario has told federations to avoid petty politics that is hindering player development and taking the country backwards in sports.

Wario promised that he would ensure no federation is engaged in chronic politics and that federation officials will have to meet player’s expectations during his tenure.

“Players will no longer be short-changed. We have seen them ‘short circuited’ many times, even at high profile international games. It will no longer be business as usual for federations,” said Wario, while presiding over the launch of the fourth edition of Sotokoto Safari Half Marathon at San Valencia Gardens in Nairobi Tuesday.

The Cabinet Secretary advised federations officials to put players interests on top of their agenda and not their own personal gains which have seen many athletes live destitute lives with nothing to show for even after being in service for a long period.

In order to make this dream a reality, Wario said all sports sectors will be streamlined in accordance with the new Sport Act 2013 which his Cabinet is eager to implement fully.

“Players’ interest can only be met when federations align themselves to the constitution as designed in the Sport Act. Federations have no choice but to realign themselves with the new policies. Embracing the Sport Act will definitely mitigate the wrangles and all the retrogressive politics will be a thing of the past,” he said.

Wario assured Sotokoto organisers that his ministry will fully support them ahead and during the annual race to be held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on July 7, 2013.

“My doors are opened. We are ready to give Sotokoto the assistance needed.”