Where are the rest of the champions CS Ababu?

Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba hosted the inaugural ‘Champions Reception’ on Friday 28 July, a flashy dinner that sought to recognize and celebrate the heroes and heroines in the Sports and Creative Arts Space.

However, the event has left more questions than answers, as to what exactly the criteria was, to award these champions as only one sport reigned.

"Shame on you!": Ababu blasts Gor and AFC Leopards

Football dominated the said awards with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Gor Mahia being awarded Ksh 10 million, Ksh 5 million for winning the league and Ksh 5million paid towards their debt, with former players having reported them to the governing body, FIFA. Mozzart Bet Cup winners Kakamega Homeboyz got Ksh 5 million.

Women Premier League winners Vihiga Queens and Cup winners Ulinzi Starlets were awarded Ksh 5 million.

For winning the National Super League (NSL), Shabana FC and runners-up Murang'a Seal who gained promotion to the top-tier league, FKF Division One and Two winners were also on the list. All FKFPL teams and NSL teams are getting Ksh 500,000 each. Do the other WPL teams and Division One winners get any rewards?

AFC Leopards who finished eighth on the league also benefitted from a Ksh 5 million reward that also goes towards clearing their debts.

A host of legends in different sports ranging from athletics to rally (21 crews that participated in the WRC Safari Rally) to tennis and boxing were awarded. World Champions Roll Ball were the only other team sport recognized in the event.

This, however, begs the question, where are the rest of Kenya’s champions?

There was no mention of volleyball champions Kenya Pipeline who won silver at this year’s Africa Club championships held in Tunisia. Nothing about their men’s league counterparts General Service Unit (GSU) who have won their fifth title in a row and remain unbeaten in this year's regular league.

What about handball? Nairobi Water Queens are not only record league champions but have won a triple this season with the Super Cup and the East and Central Africa club titles.

National Cereals and Produce Board men have won the East Africa gong as well the league title, unbeaten. Ulinzi HC won the Super Cup.

Where are the hockey champions? Rugby anyone? Basketball? Netball? You get the drift.

Better can, and should be done if we are recognizing genuine Kenyan champions!

 Football Legends awarded

1. Joe Kadenge Family

2. JJ Joe Masiga

3. Denis Oliech

4. Mike Okoth

5. Mcdonald Mariga

6. Victor Wanyama

7. Peter Dawo

8. Musa Otieno

9. Bobby Ogola

10. Wilberforce Mulamba

11. Madegwa Family

12. Lidonde family

13. Josephat Murila

14. Peter Gor Oronge family 

15. Mohamud Abbas

16. Jared Ingutia family

17. George Onyango Fundi

18. Sammy Shollei

19. Eunice Dola

20. Allan Thigo 

21. Austin Oduor

22. Nahashon Oluoch

23. Sammy Owino Kempes

 Coaches

1. Marshall Mulwa

2. Ghost Mulei

3. Francis Kimanzi

4. Mohamed Kheri

5. Robert Matano

6. Grace Ajowi

 Scouting

1. Winna Shilavula

2. Nobert Ouma Ozil

3. Richard Madegwa

Others

Beatrice Chepkoech

Mary Moraa

Emmanuel Wanyonyi

Angela Okutoyi