Kenya defends low-key reception for Olympians

Kenya's government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna has said the low-key reception for the country's Olympians was to ensure adherence to Covid-19 regulations.

Mr Oguna said contrary to what Kenyans online were saying, the athletes were received, just not in a grand ceremony like many expected.

He said the government was trying to avoid large gatherings at the airport and consequent spread of coronavirus.

Mr Oguna said the comparison with Ugandan athletes' grand reception was inappropriate.

"When you are a new mother you get extremely excited about your child but when this is your tenth child the excitement may not be as much," he said.

Kenya emerged top in Africa bagging 10 medals in the Tokyo Olympics.

Uganda came second in Africa with four medals and their athletes were gifted cars and houses in a major ceremony.

South Africa was third in the continent with three medals and President Cyril Ramaphosa called the swimming medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker while she was still in Tokyo to congratulate her.

This article was originally published by BBC News. [Photo: AP Photo]