The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has addressed viral social media claims that Kenya’s Women’s Amputee Football Team was left stranded at Germany’s Frankfurt Airport while returning home from the 2024 WAFF Women’s Amputee Football World Cup in Colombia.
In a statement, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen clarified that the team had been well accommodated during their layover and was scheduled to arrive safely in Nairobi later today.
Contrary to online reports, the team of 12 players and seven officials was provided with comfortable in-airport accommodations during the layover.
“During the 13-hour layover, Lufthansa made special arrangements to accommodate the team in a reserved airport lounge equipped with beds. This rare courtesy allowed the team to rest comfortably while awaiting their flight,” Murkomen stated.
The team’s journey from Colombia included a planned stop in Frankfurt, with their next flight scheduled to depart at 11:00 AM today, November 13, 2024.
The Ministry further explained that players without Schengen visas were restricted to the airport but received all necessary support to ensure their comfort.
“Team members without Schengen visas could not leave the airport for hotel accommodation. However, Lufthansa provided in-airport facilities that met their needs. This courtesy was extended exclusively to the players, not the accompanying officials,” Murkomen clarified, appreciating Lufthansa’s support.
The team had departed Nairobi on November 1 to represent Kenya at the international tournament, securing an impressive fourth-place finish.
“The team of 12 players and seven officials traveled via Lufthansa to Colombia, where they competed at the 2024 WAFF Women’s Amputee Football World Cup. They achieved a commendable fourth-place finish, having topped their group in the preliminary rounds,” Murkomen noted.
Before their departure, players and officials were provided with allowances to cover all training, competition, and travel expenses.
Murkomen assured that the funds were in line with international standards to meet their personal needs during their seven-day training camp in Kenya and the nine-day tournament in Colombia.
Responding to online accusations, Murkomen stated there had been no complaints from players, managers, or officials regarding the layover arrangements.
The Ministry condemned the unauthorized recording and dissemination of footage that fueled the rumors, describing it as a violation of privacy and a misrepresentation of facts.
“Unfortunately, someone abused their access by recording content without consent, distorting the situation as abandonment and invading the team’s privacy,” Murkomen said.
Looking ahead, the Ministry expressed its eagerness to welcome the team back.
“We are excited to receive our team at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and celebrate their achievements,” Murkomen added, while also commending Lufthansa for its respectful treatment of Kenya’s athletes.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the welfare and comfort of all national teams in future engagements.
