)
Ababu Namwamba has broken his silence for the first time since being dismissed as Sports CS.
Immediate former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has spoken for the first time since his dismissal from office after Kenya President William Ruto fired his entire cabinet.
Namwamba, who took oath of office back in October 2022, was sacked just hours after a pivotal conversation with Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat.
Namwamba, a seasoned politician and former Budalangi Member of Parliament, had been nominated back to the sports docket for a second term on September 27, 2022.
Namwamba, a seasoned politician and former Budalangi Member of Parliament, initially took oath of office in October 2022.
)
19:20 - 11.07.2024
Ababu Namwamba: Inside Sports CS's last commitment to Kenyan football before dismissal in cabinet firings
President Ruto dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries, including Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, just hours after Ababu had a crucial conversation with Harambee Stars head coach Firat.
His prior tenure in 2012 saw significant achievements, such as the enactment of the Sports Act 2013, which led to the establishment of several key sports institutions.
He also initiated some good programmes, such as the Talanta Hela programme which emphasised on nurturing talents from the grassroots, and it has reaped reward as it produced a pipeline of players who will be representing Kenya at the U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup in October.
He also established ties with Spain's Nastic Soccer Academy, that sees some of Kenya's most promising talents in football win scolarships to go nurture their skills there.
Speaking on his X (formerly Twitter) account following his dismissal, Namwamba expressed gratitude to President Ruto for the opportunity to serve in the sports docket again.
)
12:04 - 11.07.2024
Namwamba throws the ball to NOC-K over Paris Olympics delegation & ceremonial kit queries
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba has requested the National Olympics Committee of Kenya to make public the list of Kenya’s Paris Olympics delegation following pressure from Kenyans.
"It is a special honour, privilege and blessing to serve one's nation, more so in Cabinet, the country's highest policy making organ," Namwamba stated.
"I thank His Excellency President @WilliamsRuto for the trust and confidence that informed my appointment to serve in Cabinet for the second time in my public service life. God bless Kenya and grant the President grace and wisdom to navigate our country into safe harbour."
)
13:46 - 11.07.2024
Kenyan football stakeholders aim guns at Namwamba over FKF elections standoff
A section of Kenyan football stakeholders have accused Sports CS Ababu Namwamba of misrepresenting facts over the FKF elections impasse during his recent Senate visit.
Despite his efforts, Namwamba’s recent term was fraught with challenges and criticisms. Initiatives like the Talanta Hela program, aimed at fostering talent, faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the official delegation list of players set to travel to Paris for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games.
Allegations of mismanagement and unpaid dues related to the Talanta Hela project further compounded the controversies during his tenure.
Members of the Talanta Hela Creative and Technical Committee revealed unpaid dues and personal expenses incurred while working on the project.
These professionals, who dedicated six months to developing the initiative, often traveled to Nairobi at their own expense and worked late into the night. Despite their contributions, they have yet to receive any reimbursement or payment for their efforts.
)
18:43 - 10.07.2024
Tyron Kariuki: Namwamba lauds Kenya U18 sensation’s transfer to Croatia
Kenya U18 midfielder has sealed a move to Croatian Hajduk Split to the delight of Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba who feels he will thrive in Europe.
When Namwamba appeared before the Senate, his inability to provide clear answers became glaringly evident.
He struggled to explain Kenya's preparedness for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, offering no concrete strategy or progress report.
His updates on the AFCON Games and the mishandling of the Kenya National Walking Race Team at the World Athletics Race Walking Championship were insufficient and evasive. Additionally, Namwamba failed to clarify the status of the Football Kenya Federation elections and the implications of the Betika payout controversy.
Namwamba's vision for nurturing football talent at the grassroots level was also put under the microscope, adding to the extensive list of criticisms he faced during his tenure.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)