Of Sambili and her many war fronts

By Alex Kiprotich

When she was elected Mogotio MP in the 2007 General Election, it was a rare feat for Prof Hellen Sambili.

Not only is she the first Tugen woman elected to Parliament, but she also won on a party ticket many barely know — United Democratic Movement. And to crown her achievements, she was appointed a Cabinet minister.

However, barely two years as Minister for Sports and Youth, the former Egerton University lecturer has been romping from one fight to another.

The recent reinstatement of Mr Umaro Wario as the chief executive officer of the Youth Enterprise Fund (YEF) is just a tip of the iceberg. Apparently, her infectious smile, which at first won the admiration of KFF factions and the world football ruling body Fifa in tackling factional wars in the sport, can no longer pacify her critics.

Critics think she is abrasive and disdainful in the way she runs the ministry.

And it is not just in Nairobi where Sambili has rubbed people the wrong way.

When she heads to her constituency, she has to fight off the intrusion of ODM nominated MP Musa Sirma, who believes she was a wrong pick for the Cabinet.

Abuse of office

Meanwhile, the YEF board under Hellen Tombo has refused to recognise the reappointment of Wario, who had earlier been suspended on grounds of financial impropriety and abuse of office.

In July, her assistants Wavinya Ndeti and Kabando wa Kabando wrote a protest letter to the Prime Minister over her conduct. The assistants accused her of highhandedness and tribalism.

"It is difficult working under Sambili. She does not bother to consult anybody," Kabando said.

The Mukurwe-ini MP claimed the minister was unprofessional and sidelined specific people on important issues.

"To say the least she is obnoxious and even erratic… it is hard to arrive at a consensus with the minister because she will not give you a chance," he said.

Ndeti said they have nothing personal against the minister.

"It is unfortunate for her to look down upon those she is supposed to work with.

"It is the way she relates to people that is causing all these problems. She needs to respect others and consult on issues," she said.

Among the accusations labelled against the minister include the appointment of Benjamin Sogomo as the head of Sports Stadia Management without consulting the board.

A board member Joe Aketch said the minister is not a team player, which often causes friction with people she is supposed to work with.

Aketch, who is the chairman of the stadia board, said although the minister could mean well in whatever she does, she needs to appreciate the input of officers working with her.

"The problem with her is simply lack of consultation," he said.

He said, as a minister she needs to respect structures.

"In our case, the minister did not consult, and also went against the State Corporations Act, which says there must be competitive bidding to fill the position of CEO," he said.

Collision course

He said it was the same issue of going against rules that put the minister in a collision course with the youth fund board.

"Nobody is questioning her credentials, but the way she goes about her business is causing disharmony," he said.

Tombo alleged the minister does not listen to anyone who has a contrary opinion.

"The minister does not listen to anyone and does what she deems fit," she said.

She adds: "She does not consult anyone if she thinks you are of a contrary opinion. She works only with people who agree with her.

"You cannot dialogue with her and will always say she is acting on orders from above."

An MP, who did not wish to be named, said Sambili’s problem stems from her academic achievements.

"She simply does not recognise people she thinks are not equal to her academic achievements," he said.

But Sambili, who is out of the country on official duty, dismissed her critics saying her dealings are always above board.

She said her critics want to portray her in bad light hoping to gain political mileage and publicity.

Said she: "It is unfortunate that there are people who are keen on portraying me in bad light.

Personal motives

"I always consult and those saying I do not have their own motive. For sure I cannot make such high profile decisions alone."

She said she is aware of people being used to undermine her and will continue being in charge of her ministry.

"I respect others’ opinions but it does not mean agreeing with them on everything," she said.

Among other accusations labelled against Sambili is the cancellation of naming rights of Nyayo Stadium to Coca Cola Company and appointment of Mr Jonathan Soi to act as PS, after the death of Kinuthia Murugu.

Sambili has also come under fire from Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat. Kiplagat has accused her of frustrating the country’s efforts to host Africa senior Athletics Championship.

Kiplagat said the minister had taken too long to approve a budget to allow the association start preparation for the championship.