Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore has send out a strong warning to Sports Federations as wrangles continue to deepen in major Sports Federations across the country.

The telecommunications company is actively involved with Athletics Kenya and Rugby Union and the two have been engaged in wrangles dating back to last year.

Speaking during the launch of this year’s Lewa Marathon, Collymore said they will not tolerate corrupt officials from any Federation.

“Sports should be representing some of these virtues we should be admiring but what we see now across a number of Federations is lack of ethics, whether is wrangles within the federation, doping or corruption” He stated.

“We as sponsors have met with Sports CS and made it clear if these things are not solved we gonna pull away from sports, I do so much to protect my share holders money, but I can’t afford to give that to Federation who then squanders it and steals it, and I’m not the only one.” He added.

Collymore was also concerned with the doping issue which has become a major problem in Kenya after AK revealed several athletes were summoned for investigations over doping. Rita Jeptoo is currently serving a two year ban for doping.

“It’s such a big let down to see doping in the country and for all those people represented such a high morals in sports, you think of people like David Rudisha, it’s lets them down when modern sportsmen are involved in doping.

Few weeks ago major sponsors for different sports in the country met with Sports CS Hassan Wario and Collymore says most sponsors are not happy with what’s going on with sports Federations.

Even though he admits they would like to continue supporting sports in the country, Collymore says they cannot continue sponsoring major sports if the current trend continues.

“Frankly it’s very difficult, you see us sponsoring Lewa Marathon today which is a sporting event but you haven’t heard us talk about further sponsorship, and until those things are sorted out, then you will not hear from me and you are not going to hear from other sponsors” Said Collymore.

The Safaricom boss says they will not be willing to spent more cash when there is unethical behavior from Federation officials.

Safaricom will sponsor the annual Lewa Marathon to a tune of Ksh. 12m and he remains optimistic the marathon will raise more cash than last year. Last year, a total of Ksh. 58m was raised during the race.

This year’s theme is ‘Run for a good cause’ and the focus will be on raising funds for wildlife protection and supporting community projects around the conservancy.

The marathon will have three categories, 5km race for children, 21km half marathon which includes team races and 42km full marathon.

Photo Credit : Safaricom