Digital content creator and radio presenter Azziad Nasenya has refuted claims that she is part of the Kenyan delegation to the Olympic Games in Paris, France. In a statement on Thursday, Azziad described the allegations as unfounded and unfortunate.
She clarified that her only involvement with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports was her appointment to the Creatives Technical Committee of the Talanta Hela Council, which was later disbanded in June 2023. “It is unfortunate that someone would come up with false allegations on such a matter,” Azziad said. “I was selected and mandated to represent the younger population in the Creatives Technical Committee. However, the committee was disbanded in June 2023. I’ve not involved myself since.”
Azziad emphasized that all her international travels have been self-funded or financed by clients or family members. She addressed specific allegations regarding a trip to Dubai, clarifying that it was for recording content for the #VisitDubai campaign and was fully funded by the client. “The receipts are on my socials; smart people can confirm instead of believing rumours,” she added.
Her statement comes amid rising pressure on CS Ababu Namwamba to disclose the list of non-athlete persons accompanying the Olympic team to Paris. Three Kenyans—Charleen Njuguna, Jolly Lanji, and Baverlyne Kwamboka—have expressed concerns about the cost to taxpayers and have threatened legal action if the details are not made public.
Last week, during the team’s flag-off at State House, President William Ruto and CS Namwamba emphasized that there would be no room for joyriders in Paris. “There’s no space, there’s no room for joyriders in Paris. There’s only space for Team Kenya to fly the country’s flag high,” Ababu said. “Even the government delegation is going to be at its barest minimum. We have to tighten the belt.”