Sifuna Blasts Govt Over Malkia Strikers’ Unpaid Allowances
Sifuna accused the CS of misinforming the Senate that Ksh 70 million had been secured to compensate arrears owed to all national teams.
Sifuna addressed the press after a video circulated online of the Malkia Strikers venting their frustrations. The players explained they were ready for their World Championship opener but were still aggrieved over unpaid allowances. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has lashed out at the government after the viral video of the protest by Malkia Strikers over unpaid allowances. He blamed the government for neglecting the players despite repeated promises.
Sifuna reacted on Friday, August 22, 2025, through his X handle. He went after the Ministry of Sports, claiming the team had been embarrassed before the entire world. The players deserved better, given the sacrifices they endure when playing for the country, the senator added.
He specifically targeted Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, accusing the latter of dishonesty. Sifuna accused the CS of misinforming the Senate that Ksh 70 million had been secured to compensate arrears owed to all national teams. The senator noted that even the Ksh2 million pledged to the Lionesses some months back was yet to be paid, despite a public event with a dummy cheque. He described the ministry as one of public relations rather than results-oriented.
Sifuna addressed the press after a video circulated online of the Malkia Strikers venting their frustrations. The players explained they were ready for their World Championship opener but were still aggrieved over unpaid allowances. They showed they had left behind families in Kenya that were depending on them.
The team will play Germany on Saturday, August 23, in Thailand. As focused as they are on the tournament, they admitted that the delayed payment had caused unnecessary stress. The players explained that they were promised all allowances would be settled before their departure. That never materialized. They were instead told to wait for the Ministry of Sports.
The Strikers also lamented in the video that they were not given a chance to forward their concerns personally to CS Mvurya while he was visiting. They stated that they were blocked by authorities from speaking to him. This, they alleged, was a sign of authorities’ unconcern.
The team also stated that their misfortunes did not start in Thailand. While training in Kenya, they struggled to get funds for camp. At some point, they were locked out temporarily. Sponsors later intervened and allowed them to resume training.
The video has already sparked an outrage on social media among Kenyans. Many rallied behind Sifuna in his remarks, asking the government to accord athletes who fly the national flag dignity.
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