Citizen’s Waihiga Mwaura summoned by Rio 2016 probe team

Citizen Television top sports journalist, Waihiga Mwaura has been summoned by the Rio 2016 Olympics Games Probe Committee to ‘shed light’ on issues pertaining to what transpired during the event where officials were accused of mistreating athletes.

Waihiga who played a central role in exposing the scandal that plagued Team Kenya at the quadrennial games through his piece titled ‘Fiasco in Rio’ aired on Citizen Prime Time on August 28 and published on Citizen Digital that sparked national outrage is expected to appear before the committee next Thursday.

The former CNN/MultiChoice Africa Sports Journalists Sports Award winner who was in Brazil for the duration of the 31st edition of the Games; uncovered the excesses of National Olympics Committee-Kenya (Nock) officials who had ferried a huge number of joy riders at the taxpayers’ expense.

“In pursuit of our terms of reference, and in recognition of your official and professional role at the Rio Olympics, we kindly request you to appear before the committee to help shed light on various issues pertaining to Kenya’s participation at the Rio Games as we seek to make solid recommendations on Kenya’s improved participation at the Olympics and other major international assignments.

“We value your contribution to Kenyan sport and would like to have a brief session with you on Thursday, 22nd September 2016, at 10.00am,” part of the letter addressed to Waihiga and dated Tuesday that was signed by Probe Committee Chairman and Dean of Students at Strathmore University, Paul Ochieng, read in part.

The Rio-de-Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games Probe Committee was established by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts through Kenya Gazette, Notice number 7176, to look into the activities of Team Kenya before and during the recently concluded Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

During the expose, Waihiga disclosed he was among the list of journalists who were listed by Nock officials to have travelled to Brazil on a Government ticket and accommodation despite the fact Royal Media Services footed all his expenses.

The award-winning journalist and anchor will have his day before the committee at Nairobi’s Kencom House that also serves as the Ministry of Sports headquarters.

Nock officials, First Vice-Chairman, Pius Ochieng, Secretary General, Francis Kinyili Paul, Treasurer, Fridah Shiroya and Executive Officer, Stephen arap Soi who was also Team Kenya’s Chef-de-Mission are facing charges related to the scam where they are accused of mismanaging the team, neglecting duty and theft of kit from sponsors Nike.

The fiasco also led to the disbandment of Nock by Sports Minister Dr. Hassan Wario on the same day he announced the formation of the probe committee towards the end of August.