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Kenya optimistic IOC not to ban the country

Xinhua, September 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kenya's Sports Minister Hassan Wario believes the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not ban the country from international competition after he disbanded their national affiliate over corruption and mismanagement.

Wario insisted that the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (Nock) is not above the law and will remain disbanded and he will carry the task of convincing International Olympic Committee of the same.

Wario, who was speaking at Parliament's Labour and Social Welfare Committee, said the country's Olympic body Nock was responsible for the mess in Rio Olympics and must be sent home so as to streamline the sports sector.

"They disgraced us and they stand disbanded," said Wario.

The Sports cabinet secretary however confirmed that he is still keen to meet with the IOC in Laussane, Switzerland to defend his stand and be allowed to reconstitute a new body to oversee the operation of NOCK.

"I intend to meet International Olympic Committee in a few days or next week," he said, adding that there is no cause for alarm and that IOC warning letter to Kenya was not too harsh and they can still iron out the differences.

Wario said the plan is to change Nock's constitution and align it with the Sports Act. The minister placed all issues arising out of the Rio Olympics at the feet of Nock, chaired by athletics legend Kipchoge Keino.

Wario, however, reminded the committee that Kenya's performance in Rio was the best in the country's history. "Rio was a huge success. We should not wish that away," he added. Endit