Cherangany MP Wesley Korir has called on the Jubilee administration to consider appointing a sports personality to take charge as a Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Sports.
His remarks comes even as Wilson Kipsang, the immediate former world marathon record holder, announced his bid to vie for Keiyo South parliamentary seat in next year’s polls.
Kipsang now joins the league of world beating stars that have shown interest in politics.
They include Chesumei MP Elijah Lagat, the 2000 Boston Marathon winner and Christoper Cheboiboch, a runner up in Boston and Member of County Assembly for Emsoo ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Another one is Wilson Boit Kipketer, a former world 3,000m steeplechase record holder and MCA for Kabiemit Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet.
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Korir said sports personalities had been sidelined from key government positions for many years.
He spoke at a party to celebrate Kipsang’s graduation from Mt Kenya University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Security Studies.
“Whenever our president, Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto traverse this region, remind him to consider appointing a cabinet secretary who has an experience in the sports arena, I insist because I am optimistic that Jubilee will form the next government,” he said.
Korir said the current leadership in sports has failed to resolve issues affecting sportsmen and women because they don’t understand athletics quite well.
He revisited the Rio Olympics fiasco and said: “We earn through our sweat and we deserve respect, it is sad that those at the helm of the ministry are not aware of the challenges we face because they have never undergone it, this time we need someone who has been in the field.”
He called on the electorate to support sports persons vying for elective positions come next General Election.
“Sports people across the world have always seen us as their heroes who rose from humble beginnings. We understand the challenges faced by the common mwananchi. It will be prudent for the electorate to give us a chance to lead in various political seats,” he added.
Kipsang, who longs to unseat incumbent Jackson Kiptanui in Keiyo South, challenged athletes to advance their studies.
“As far as I am expressing my political ambitions, it is ideal for my fellow athletes to also go back to school and widen their careers beyond athletics,” he added.
