Reprieve for Shujaa, Lionesses as CS Ababu intervenes

Shujaa are already in Dubai, ready for the second leg of the IRB series, where they are set to play South Africa, Australia and Britain in Pool A.

Speaking at the Ministry of Sports headquarters on Monday, Namwamba also ordered the Kenya Rugby Union to present an audit report of the funds they have been receiving from World Rugby.

 “I have made two commitments, first being our Shujaa team that travelled to Dubai last evening, they travelled without allowances, and they travelled on an empty stomach. We are going to make available their allowances to them, while they are in Dubai. So that they are able to represent the country well in Dubai and later Cape Town.”

He also pledged that the government will also sponsor the Kenya Lionesses who were unable to travel to Dubai, due to lack of funds for the same tournament.

“I have also made a commitment to the women’s team that we will send the women's team to Dubai. We will also be supporting their travel and allowances.”    

KRU boss Gangla Oduor admitted they had fallen short of the players’ expectations.

“We have been trending a bit through the last few days due to failures of the Rugby union which I together with my team take full responsibility for. We are responsible for managing the national teams and in the last few weeks we have fallen short of the expectations that everyone has on us as the board to ensure that our teams  are well facilitated and are able to bring honour and pride to our country.”

The move comes after Shujaa star players Willy Ambaka and Dennis Ombachi yesterday revealed they have not been paid for three months.