This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
October 24, 2019, marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey for the Kenya women's netball team in South Africa. The team, which had traveled to Cape Town to participate in the 2019 Africa Netball Championship, found themselves stranded after being denied access to their hotel.
According to reports, the team of over 15 players had been in South Africa since October 18, 2019, and had gone straight to the field for their opening fixture without being accommodated. The Sports Ministry had allegedly secured air tickets and visas for the team, but the accommodation arrangement had fallen through.
A well-wisher from Cameroon, however, came to their aid by providing them with milk and bread, and even offered to accommodate them. The incident has sparked a heated debate, with some questioning the Sports Ministry's handling of the situation.
On Wednesday, the Sports Ministry denied claims that the team was stranded, but Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen announced that an investigation would be conducted into the matter. The incident has also brought back memories of a similar incident involving the Gor Mahia football team, which was stranded at the Doha International Airport in Qatar.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had earlier assured that no national team would ever be stranded while representing the country, and had even purchased air tickets worth Ksh. 6 million for the Gor Mahia team. The President had also directed that all associations and federations account for the funds disbursed to them.
