We didn't abandon Malkia at the Airport, KVF clarifies

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) have dismissed reports that Malkia Strikers were abandoned at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on arrival from Paris. 

Malkia struggled at the Olympics, failing to win a single set in the pool matches against Brazil (25-14, 25-13, 25-12), Poland (25-14, 25-17, 25-15) and Japan (25-17, 25-22, 25-12).

The African champions touched down in Nairobi on Tuesday night from Paris.  However, social media was abuzz with claims the team was left stranded at the airport.

"Where is the Team Kenya bus for the Paris Olympics national team? Malkia Strikers just landed from France, and some are having to source private transport to their final destinations!" sarcastically asked  another user on X

This prompted KVF to issue a statement clarifying the situation.

"We had a meeting in Paris and we all agreed they would head straight home from JKIA having stayed away from their families for almost a month," the statement from KVF read.

"There was a van ready to drop us at Sports View Hotel, Kasarani for the night but only coach Japheth Munala boarded, as the rest had prior arrangements," the statement read.

The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) backed KVF’s statement through their official social media handles.

"The eighth group, including the swimming team and Malkia Strikers arrived safely in Kenya last night."

"As with all other arriving teams, they were welcomed by the Ministry of Sports officials and transport and accommodation were provided for all but some opted to head home,"  said the statement. 

A senior member of the team told the Star they made their way home, via cabs and private means having made prior arrangements.

Malkia had been on the road for over a month, first competing in the Challenger Cup in the Philippines from June 30 to July 7, before heading to the Miramas Olympic camp in France on July 13.

Despite failing to grab a single set captain Triza Atuka, Sarina Nishida, Mayu Ishikaya and Pamela Adhiambo were among the players who stood out in Munala’s squad.