President
Uhuru Kenyatta has assured visiting athletes who are participating in the IAAF
World Under 18 championships at Kasarani Stadium that Kenya is safe.
The
iconic world sporting extravaganza is being attended by over 2000 athletes and
officials from 131 countries.
“I
wish to assure you that Kenya is a secure and peaceful country and continues to
embrace democratic ideals as we progress in building our nation”, the president
said during the official opening of the event on Wednesday.
He
also assured the international sporting fraternity of Kenya’s commitment to
ethical, clean and fair sports competition.
“My
administration fully supports the fight against unfair sporting practices as
part of developing this industry,” he said.
The
president's assurance came even as the country was still reeling from the
murders of nine people in Lamu by suspected Al Shabaab militants last Saturday.
Six
police officers were also killed on Wednesday in an ambush by bandits in
Laikipia.
Four
others were injured.
Uhuru
described the championships as a special occasion for the people saying sports
occupy a unique place in the Kenyan society.
During
the 2015 WU-18 championships held in Cali, Colombia, Kenyan won 13 medals and
finished second after the United States.
This
is the first time in history Kenya is hosting the global track event.
