Sports PS Tum faces Sh500, 000 fine for missing committee summons

Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Sports Principal Secretary (PS) Peter Tum faces a Sh500,000 fine for repeatedly missing summons from the National Assembly Sports Committee.

Tum failed to appear for the fourth time to answer questions on delays in the construction of sports academies and the completion of stadia across the country.

The PS was expected to attend with officials from the Sports Fund Kenya and the Kenya Academy of Sports.

Daniel Wanyama, chairperson of the committee, labelled Tum as an impediment to sports infrastructure development.

"The PS is taking this committee for a ride and it is high time that we take action," said Wanyama.

"The Secretariat should immediately issue letters summoning PS Tum, the Sports Fund CEO, and the CEO of the Kenya Academy of Sports to appear before us next Tuesday at 8 a.m. Failure to do so will result in a fine."
Wanyama also accused Tum of damaging President William Ruto's reputation.

Ruto had pledged to build a sports academy in every constituency, but Tum's delays have led to claims of unfulfilled promises.

"We need to protect the name of the President so he is not called a liar," added Wanyama.

"The President has already pronounced himself on the construction of sports academies across the country."

State data shows 27 sites have been earmarked for the academies, with the first phase of construction set to begin in the 2023/2024 financial year.

Each academy is planned to include various facilities such as fences, fields, tracks, and water storage.

"This committee has already allocated the funds for construction, but the PS has failed to execute the projects," noted Wanyama.

"Every time he is scheduled to appear before us, he either fails to show up or offers excuses."

Teso South MP Mary Emase supported the criticism, stating Tum's failures are damaging Ruto's credibility.

"The President is being called a liar because he promises and pronounces himself on incomplete projects," said Emase.

"We cannot allow officers in the ministry who do not deliver. If they do not perform, we may have to call for resignations."

Busia County Woman Rep Catherine Omanyo endorsed calls for Tum's resignation.

"The sports academies are meant to engage the youth and create jobs," said Omanyo.

"The PS is incapable of running his office properly. He should step down."

Matungulu MP Stephen Mule urged Tum to release funds for the academies promptly.

"We must be clear, as this is where corruption starts," noted Mule.

"Somebody wants to control procurement and implementation. As a committee, we will not allow that."

The scrutiny follows criticism of President Ruto for incomplete projects, with lawyer Morara Kebaso highlighting abandoned initiatives launched during Ruto's tenure.