The deputy chairman of Kenya's Olympic committee was on Friday charged with stealing money and Nike sportswear intended for the team at the Rio Olympic Games. Bernard Ekumbo is the fourth official from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) to be formally charged over the embarrassing scandals which tarnished Kenya's best-ever performance at a Games.
Ekumbo is accused of stealing one million shilling ($10,500) and the team uniforms, whose disappearance meant athletes showed up at the opening ceremony in mismatched outfits. He denied both charges and will be remanded in custody until Monday when the court will rule on whether or not to release him on bail. Ekumbo told the court that the cash was deposited into his bank account without his knowledge while he was already in Brazil, and said he was willing to refund all the money. Ekumbo, who is also head of the Kenya Swimming Federation was arrested on Monday when police officers raided his upmarket Nairobi house, where bales of sports equipment, including running shoes and tracksuits, were found.