Kenyan Diaspora in France Outraged as MCAs Invited to Paris Olympics

A controversy has erupted over the National Olympics Committee of Kenya's (NOCK) decision to invite 11 Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to the Paris Olympics as part of the cheering squad.

This move has sparked outrage among Kenyans living in France, particularly younger generations, who are calling for greater transparency and a focus on athletes. The invitation is detailed in a letter dated June 20 from NOCK Secretary General Francis Mutuku and forwarded to MCAs from various counties including Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Migori, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Nakuru, and Garissa. While the invitation specifies that the MCAs are responsible for their own expenses, including air tickets, visas, accommodation, and venue tickets, it also mentions NOCK's support through a hospitality partner.

This lack of clarity regarding funding sources has raised questions about whether county assemblies will cover the expenses or if the MCAs will pay out of pocket. The Kenyan diaspora in France, especially Gen Z and Millennials, have reacted strongly to this news. They have threatened to "frog-march these individuals back to Kenya from Charles de Gaulle Airport," expressing their frustration not only with the MCAs' presence but also with the extravagant expenditure on Team Kenya's residence in France. The allocation of Sh50 million for renting Kenya House for just 10 days has been particularly criticized, with many arguing that these funds could have been better used to support the athletes directly.

In response to these developments, the diaspora group is demanding transparency from the Ministry of Sports. They are calling for a detailed budget breakdown and clarification on the activities planned at Kenya House. Their message emphasizes the need to prioritize athletes over what they perceive as non-essential personnel or "joyriders." They argue that given Kenya's current austerity measures, politicians should not be in Paris, suggesting instead that Kenyans already living in Europe could provide passionate support for the teams without incurring additional costs.

As of June 30, 2024, 83 Kenyan athletes have qualified for the Paris Games, set to compete in various disciplines including athletics, rugby sevens, judo, fencing, volleyball, and swimming. The diaspora group insists that these athletes should be the focus of Kenya's Olympic efforts, ensuring they receive the necessary support to excel on the global stage.