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"id": 80060,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/80060/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Kabando wa Kabando",
"speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports",
"speaker": {
"id": 31,
"legal_name": "Kabando wa Kabando",
"slug": "kabando-kabando"
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"content": " Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to Dr. Khalwaleâs question, I think it would not be in order for the Government to order for the arrest of referees. That was a skirmish and, anything could have happened in the melee. It would only be fair to allow the relevant organs of the Government, including the CID, which is taking statements from various officials involved in one way or another, to do their work and those who are culpable will be made to account. With regard to a letter to Football Kenya Limited (FKL) and Kenya Premier League (KPL), we would be reluctant as a Ministry to enter into correspondence with FKL for the authorization of the stadium. As I said, they have no authority to bar any team or club from using any of our stadiums. However, I undertake to communicate with the KPL Board and the management and assure them of the reality that the stadia are available. I would like to assure the hon. Member that I have just had an intercession with the Chairman and the CEO of the KPL. We had a discussion on this matter and we engaged very positively. I would encourage the hon. Member for Ikolomani to liaise with the Chairman of AFC Leopards, whom I have just met this afternoon, and give him details pertaining to any expenses which they think they are owed by the FKL. I do not think that it would be right for the Minister to make an order for such reimbursements to a private company. Mrs. Odhiambo-Mabona asked whether we had any plans with regard to compensation to the families who lost their loved ones. I already said that we have taken the step of compassionate contribution among stakeholders for burial arrangements. Since there is a team working on these matters, all circumstances surrounding the disaster, the Nyayo National Stadium and the resolutions that may merit, I would urge the Nominated Member of Parliament to give us time so that we can look at this matter in totality for a solution. Mr. Njuguna asked whether we should intervene for those patients who are still in hospital so that they are released and not detained there. I will assure him that my Ministry, in conjunction with other stakeholders and other offices of the Government like the Office of the President and the Office of the Prime Minister, will ensure that no patient is detained at the Kenyatta National Hospital for non-payment of bills. Hon. Kioni has again raised the issue that was brought by Eng. Gumbo about a case pending in court with regard to one Hatimy Mohamed. I would like to assure the House that we will look at this matter. If, indeed, it appears that there is such a criminal case of theft by a football official, whether it is of a peripheral organization, I assure you that my Ministry will take action. In conclusion, I want to thank hon. Members for their interest in this matter. I want to plead with you to kindly support this Ministry when we submit the Sports Bill which will revolutionalize the way sports are managed in this country. This includes managing, financing, marketing, talent search and talent promotion. Just two days ago, we witnessed a young girl, twelve year old Naomi Wafula, emerge among the top three golfers in this country because the Kenya Ladiesâ Gold Union is very well organized. This is what we need in all other federations. All the other Secretary-Generals of 53 African countries, National Olympic Committees, are convening in Nairobi. I opened the meeting this morning. Again, the National Olympic Committees are very organized. However, the Sports Bill will make a big difference. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, would I be in order to ask you to allow me to submit this document, as a memento to the House of the five mashujaaâs of Kenya who died as they were supporting AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia. We celebrate their lives and thank God for the gift of their lives."
}