Wario assures credible World U-18 championships, mourns Nkaissery

Sports Cabinet Secretary Dr. Hassan Wario on Sunday expressed his grief following the demise of his Interior counterpart Joseph Nkaissery , noting the deceased played a crucial role in the organization of the Nairobi World Under-18 Athletics Championships set to kick-off on Wednesday.

Nkaissery was reported dead on Saturday morning, under unclear circumstances hours after attending a prayer rally at the Nairobi’s Uhuru Park.

“Yesterday we received shocking news of the passing on of General Nkaissery, our colleague, our brother and a very key member of the Local Organizing committee of the championships.

“We pray that God grants his family solace during this difficult time, and rest his soul  in eternal peace.” Wario commented

The sports CS however assured that despite the gap left by the fallen CS, the championships will run as planned.

The fallen CS had on Friday morning visited Kasarani stadium to inspect the final touches of preparation for the global event.

“I want to reassure everybody that preparations are going on well and we have a very strong team here, very experienced steering committee and a strong security team that was put in place by General Nkaissery.

“Our security  preparedness was one of the key things that the late CS was very keen on,” added Wario.

According to the CS, a total 14 teams have already arrived in the country. Among the teams that already jetted in the country is Morocco, Bahamas, Algeria, Poland, Argentina, Oman, Cuba and they are already underway with their training in Kasarani.

“The teams that have already arrived have settled in the village at the Kenyatta University. Our Kenyan team is also ready, and we expect to win the championship.

Some of the key features that the LOC and the Sports Ministry is looking to implement is hosting a cocktail for sports journalists who will cover the event, a cultural village to showcase Kenyan Culture in Kasarani and promoting sports tourism.

His Excellency the President, Uhuru Kenyatta will officially open the event, with IAAF president and double Olympic champion in 1,500m Lord Sebastian Coe attending among other dignitaries.

Athletics Kenya led by president Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei will hand over the competition site together with the village to the Ministry of Sports who will in turn hand it over officially to the world athletics governing body, before the competition begins on Wednesday.

Tags:

kenya Nairobi Kasarani Kenyatta University athletics Wario world Championships Under-18 demise Nakaisssery

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