Kenyan Rugby Players (Shujaas) have received Ksh100,000 each as allowances from Brand Kenya as they prepare for the World Cup Series in San Francisco, USA on July 20-22. In total, Brand Kenya has released Ksh2.4 million to the players
The amount was paid directly to the players after the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), the body that manages players’ funds, misappropriated funds meant for the players in the London series, prompting the champions to conceal Brand Kenya message while playing.
This is a token that Brand Kenya had promised players before leaving for London. It should however be noted that Brand Kenya had already paid the amount to KRU, who diverted the money to pay bank loans they had but didn’t declare to Brand Kenya.
Read: KRU Forcing Players To Sign Apology Letter Before Receiving Their Dues
However, sources from Brand Kenya indicated that the contract has not been renewed and remained suspended as earlier stated by the Sports Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.
The Parties, Brand Kenya, KRU and Shujaas players are still negotiating on the way forward. Earlier today, rumours emerged that KRU was forcing the players to sign an apology letter in order to receive their allowances.
In the apology letter seen by Kahawa Tungu, the Kenya Rugby Union claimed that the government through the ministry of tourism has committed to support the Kenya sevens team for a period of three years.
This prompted Brand Kenya to intervene and pay the players, who had vowed not to carry the country name in the world of rugby until their dues were met.
Most rugby pundits have accused KRU of spoiling the party for the players, even after outstanding performances outside the country.
After concealing the Brand Kenya message in London, KRU fired Shujaas Coach Innocent Simiyu and later reinstated him after the ministry intervened.
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