Athletes protest at colleague’s arrest

By Peter Atsiaya

Elgeyo/Marakwet County

A Kenyan athlete was arrested in Uganda in unclear circumstances.

Mr Donald Sambu of Kamwosor village in Keyio South, has been reportedly detained since January.

His family has appealed to the Government to intervene and secure his freedom.

Athletic Kenya (AK) Keyio branch chairman and 3,000 metres world record holder Daniel Komen led athletes in protesting over the arrest.

Speaking in Eldoret yesterday, Mr Komen said Sambu was arrested in January after he won the MTI 42km marathon race.

"Sambu is being held at Kapchorwa Prison and we are told he is set to appear in court today," Komen told journalists.

He added: "We are not aware of what he will be charged with. I am travelling to Uganda today to pursue the matter."

Komen, who was accompanied by Kamwosor location chief Ismael Kolol said the athlete’s relatives had made fruitless attempts to secure his release.

"The family is poor and they cannot afford to travel to Uganda to deal with the matter. That is why they have involved AK officials led by Komen," said Mr Kulol.

Consult officials

Komen added he would meet AK national officials in Nairobi to discuss the matter before proceeding to Uganda.

He said Sambu was taken to Uganda to feature in the competition by his coaches and manager.

"The athlete won the race and we have since learnt that trouble started when the coaches disagreed over the price he was given after the victory," said Komen.

Komen warned athletes to be careful when hiring managers to avoid falling into the wrong hands.