A probe into Team Kenya’s participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics is turning up dirt on the team’s Olympic officials. Stephen Arap Soi, the team leader, has been charged with stealing around $250,000, meant for the accommodation of Kenyan officials in Brazil. A parliamentary hearing also found that the sports ministry had covered the costs of flight tickets for Soi’s wife to the Olympics.
A probe into Team Kenya’s participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics is turning up dirt on the team’s Olympic officials. Stephen Arap Soi, the team leader, has been charged with stealing around $250,000, meant for the accommodation of Kenyan officials in Brazil. A parliamentary hearing also found that the sports ministry had covered the costs of flight tickets for Soi’s wife to the Olympics.
Kenya’s medal haul—its best ever—is being overshadowed by its multiple scandals. In addition to corruption claims, two of Team Kenya’s coaches were sent home after being involved in a doping scandal, and Nike $NKE, the team’s kit supplier, complained some kit did not reach athletes. Two officials
Join 500,000+ readers who start their day with Quartz.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
After the Games, Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s president, requested an investigation, and said in a statement that ”every Kenyan must take their responsibilities seriously and be ready to face the consequences of their actions.” While similar scandals rocked Kenya’s 2012 Olympics outing in London, this time the country appears more intent on doing something. Four days after the Games ended, the government disbanded Kenya’s Olympic committee.
