Athletes reject Kamatusa Olympic boycott

Kenyan athletes have rejected a call by Eldoret North William Ruto that they boycott the London Olympics to protest the ICC cases against four Kenyans. The athletes — majority of them known for their exploits in international and local track events — told Ruto and Kamatusa leaders not to drag their politics into the sporting arena. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Kipchoge Keino who is the chairman of the National Olympics Committee and Athletics Kenya secretary David Okeyo said it is wrong and unworkable for the leaders to introduce their politics in sports.Representatives of the athletes also condemned the boycott call. Majority of the athletes are in training in Eldoret in preparation for this weekend's third meet of a six-leg tournament which will lead to the Olympic qualifiers. The two-day meet will be held in Kitale. The proposal to have the athletes boycott the Olympics was one of the 16 resolutions arrived at after the Kamatusa meeting held in Eldoret on Monday and hosted by Ruto.It was attended by over 30 MPs and other leaders mainly from the Kalenjin community. The resolutions were read by the chairman of the Kalenjin Elders Council Major (rtd) John Seii. "This year 2012 is another Olympics year. Unless an environment of inclusiveness and fairness is provided, the Kalenjin community will consider asking the condemned athletes to boycott the Olympics," said the resolution. This resolution stemmed from another one which stated that the entire Kalenjin community — including the athletes — had been condemned because of the crimes against humanity charges which Ruto and radio journalist Joshua arap Sang are facing at the ICC...Click here