KRU apologises for Shujaa’s unbranded jersey fiasco
The Kenya Rugby Union has apologized for the ‘embarrassing’ scenario at the ongoing Paris Sevens where the national team concealed the #MakeItKenya logo from their jerseys.
In a statement, KRU explained – as Nairobi News had exclusively revealed – that the standoff had everything to do with delay in payments.
KRU also announced that they were working to salvage the situation, even though nothing had changed by the time team Kenya played Argentina and Russia on Sunday.
“The sponsorship had an element of cash to be paid directly to the players for direct promotion of Brand Kenya. Brand Kenya have already submitted Sh4 million as part payment of the sponsorship as per the contract,” KRU’s statement reads in part.
“The incident is highly regretted and we unreservedly apologize to Brand Kenya for the embarrassment this has caused and we are working to sort out the situation in Paris.”
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Why Shujaa are playing in Paris without ‘Make it Kenya’ brand
Kenya lost 24-5 to New Zealand in their opening Pool ‘A’ clash of the IRB World Series before bouncing back to stun series leaders Fiji 22-19 in their second match.
Kenya lost 24-5 to New Zealand but recovered to upset series leaders Fiji 22-19 and Samoa 24-10 in her Pool ‘A’ matches.
Shujaa played all the matches without the #MakeItKenya branding on their jerseys despite the recent multi-million shilling deal between KRU and Brand Kenya.
Nairobi News understands the action was a protest against non-payment of Sh 4million to the players.
Interestingly, the name of the team’s other sponsor Bidco remained visible at the back.
Separately, KRU chairman Richard Omwela has warned there will be consequences for people who incited the Kenya Sevens player to conceal the #MakeItKenya logo even as the Chief of Staff at State House Nzoika Waita instructed the sports ministry to find out why the Union failed release payments to the team on time.