Police officers who were responsible for security during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) have finally received their payments from the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), but the amounts have caused widespread anger.
The officers had been told they would receive Ksh 12,000 per day to cover transport, meals, and other expenses while on duty. This sum was meant to reflect the long hours, the risks involved, and the commitment required to keep the tournament safe.
When the payments were first processed, the promised amount was reduced to Ksh 3,300 per day. Many officers were shocked, but the disappointment grew worse after further unexplained deductions were made.
In the end, the officers received just Ksh 300 per day for their service. This drastic reduction has left them feeling ignored and undervalued. Some have openly described the situation as a betrayal of their hard work and sacrifice. One officer said, “We were promised fair pay, but what we have received cannot even cover a meal. It is disheartening.”
The officers had worked tirelessly throughout the tournament, maintaining order and ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans.
Many endured long hours, stressful conditions, and intense pressure, expecting that their allowances would reflect their dedication.
The final payout, however, fell far below any reasonable expectation.
Experts say this incident highlights deeper problems in the way funds are managed for large sporting events in the country. Transparency has often been questioned, and the CHAN payments situation has reignited concerns about accountability within organizing committees.
Civil society groups have already demanded an audit to trace where the money meant for the officers disappeared. They argue that proper oversight is needed to prevent such cases in the future and to protect the rights of personnel who serve in high-pressure roles.
Despite the controversy, the officers remain on duty and hope that the government or relevant authorities will step in to ensure justice.
For now, the shameful handling of their allowances overshadows the critical role they played in the tournament. Their service, instead of being recognized and rewarded, has become a source of frustration and disappointment. Many fear that without immediate corrective action, morale among officers could be seriously affected, making it harder to trust promises made by organizing bodies in the future.
The CHAN security payment debacle serves as a warning that even well-intentioned events can fail their staff if financial management is careless. For the officers, the experience will be remembered not for the excitement of the championship, but for the bitter reality of being underpaid after risking their safety to keep others secure.
This situation has now become a matter of public concern, with calls growing louder for accountability and corrective action to restore confidence in the handling of funds meant for essential personnel.
