Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims that the government abandoned the Kenya Women Amputee Football Team after they were filmed sleeping at an airport lounge in Germany.
In a statement issued on Wednesday , November 11, Murkomen emphasized that the team had received all their allowances as required and that the circumstances surrounding their stay at the airport had been misunderstood.
The CS explained that the team could not be accommodate in a hotel because they lacked Schengen visas, which are necessary for staying in hotels outside the airport.
As a results the airline, Lufthansa, arranged suitable in-airport accommodation for the team members taking into consideration their special needs.
“The team members did not have schemed visas which prevented them from staying in hotels.
Given their specific needs, Lufthanas provided a appropriate in-airport accommodation, which was not even extended to the accompanying officials” Murkomen clarified in his statement.
Murkomen further rejected claims that the team had complained about their situation stating that no issues were raised by the players their managers, or ministry officials.
He also criticized the person who filmed the team without permission, calling it a violation of their privacy and a misrepresentation of the situation.
The CS added the tteam was returning to kenya after a strong showing at the World Cup in Colombia, where they secured fourth place.
They will be weilcomed back by the Ministry Officials upon their arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Murkomen’s statement comes after public outcry over the team’s treatment in Germany, despite their impressive performance at the World Cup.
Earlier reports indicate that Kenyans in Germany had stepped in to provide the players with food during their stay at the airport.
