Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen Weighs In On Kenyan Athletes Running For Other Nations
- Kipchumba Murkomen, the new Cabinet Secretary for Sports, has opened up on Kenyan-born athletes representing other nations
- Winfred Yavi, a Kenyan-born athlete, wore Bahrain colours at the Paris Olympics and won a gold medal
- Many athletes in the past, like Bernard Lagat and Wilson Kipketwer, also switched their allegiance
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During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kenyan-born athletes competed for other nations, especially in athletics.
Winfred Yavi, a Kenyan-born athlete representing Bahrain, won the gold medal in the women's 3000m steeplechase, beating Kenyan stars Beatrice Chepkoech and Faith Cherotich.
New Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has commented on Kenyan-bron athletes representing other countries.
Over the years, Kenyan-born athletes have switched allegiances to other countries and represented them at the Olympic Games.
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Bernard Lagat, Yavi, Lonah Kiplagat, Stephen Cherono, and others won medals for other nations in major competitions, per World Athletics.
Speaking at the Talanta sports gala on Friday, Murkomen said he has no issues with Kenyan-born athletes representing other countries.
"For the avoidance of doubt, we have no problems with any Kenya who chooses to run or live in another country. We do not!" he said via The Star.
"They must not be picked and ostracised. They must be supported the same way the president is supporting the export of labor from this country to other countries," he added.
He highlighted the positive aspect of this matter.
"In any case they all train here in Kenya jointly and the monthly they get there they bring it home to build houses for their parents or start businesses."
Why did Yavi pick Bahrain over Kenya?
In other news, TUKO.co.ke previously reported on the Makueni-born 3000m steeplechase star discussing why she chose to compete for Bahrain.
She said tough competition in the Kenyan trials made opportunities hard to come by, forcing her to switch allegiance as a result.
In 2016, she emerged third overall, but they were only picking the top two, and she was locked out. When Bahrain came calling, she took up the opportunity and won an Olympic gold and world title.
Winfred Yavi wins gold for Bahrain
TUKO.co.ke also reported that Winfred Yavi won Bahrain's first gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech led most of the race but faded towards the end as Yavi and defending champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda battled for the gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase final.
Faith Cherotich of Kenya won a bronze, while Chepkoech missed out on a podium place.
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Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen is open to Kenyan athletes representing other nations.
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