Kenya optimistic IOC will not issue ban

Kenya's Sports Minister Hassan Wario addresses a news conference on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recommendations that judged Kenya as non-compliant with the WADA code, in the capital Nairobi, May 13, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

NAIROBI - 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 issues of corruption and mismanagement.

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

Wario, who was speaking to the Kenyan Parliament's Labour and Social Welfare Committee, said NOCK was responsible for the mess at the Rio Olympics and must be sidelined in order to streamline the country's 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 stance. He also says he wants to reconstitute a new body to oversee the operation of NOCK.

"I intend to meet the International Olympic Committee in a few days or next week," he said. He also added that there is no cause for alarm, explaining that the IOC warning letter to Kenya leaves the door open for the two sides to iron out their 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.