Nike's Letter to Kenyan Officials on 'Stolen' Olympics Kits

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) is on the spot over the alleged stealing of kits meant to be distributed to the country's Olympic team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nike, the team's official sponsors, wrote a letter to NOCK seeking an explanation over the scandalous claims that have marred the committee since the Olympics commenced.

The missive by a Nike executive identified as Robert Lotwis addressed to NOCK Secretary General, Francis Paul, questions why the committee had not responded to Nike's earlier letter on the distribution of supplies.

“Dear FK (Francis Paul, the Nock Secretary General). I have not heard back from you around any of the product issues I have emailed you about. I have sent you a list of product that was sent and you received”.

“I don’t understand why I have athletes both here (in Rio) and back in Nairobi saying they did not receive the products. I’m asking again for an explanation. I’ve also listed what each track (athletics) athlete should receive in a pack. I’ve also relisted below what was sent to Nock. Please respond with an explanation on why athletes are saying they are not getting all the products they should,” Standard quoted Nike's letter.

Earlier, the athlete divulged that the NOCK officials were diverting the kits for sale in the Kenyan market, as they did not have adequate supplies at Rio.

When Deputy President William Ruto went to Brazil, the athletes complained on the same stating that they were only issued with one kit for training and another for competing.

This was contrary to what Nike had planned as according to the sponsors, each men’s track athlete was to receive two singlets, one unitard (sprinters only, three tailwind tee, three socks, two cargo shorts, one stadium jacket, one flat brim cap, two warm up tee, two warm up tight, two woven jackets, two, one drift cotton tee, one feather light cap, one roller bag (suitcase), one vapor back packs, one gym sack, two half tight and one tailwind cap.

While, the women counterparts were to get a singlet, two airbornes, two boy shorts, a race short, a brief, a knit jacket, a rain jacket, a rain pant, three Oly miler tees, tournament short, stadium short, three socks, two LS half zip, two warm up tights, two capris, two warm up tees, two woven jackets, two Oly polos, two bras, two polo II, one LS legend tee, one feather light cap, two half tights, a tailwind cap, a gym sack, a vapor back pack and a large roller (suitcase).

The team’s captain to the games and Cherangany MP Wesley Korir noted: "It is very unfortunate that each athlete was given a pair of T-shirts yet according to Nike each was supposed to get eight pairs. Sandals and sunglasses, among others, were also missing".