Kenyan skater Kevin Kiarie has revealed why he did not attend the Mashujaa Day celebrations despite being included in the National Heroes Awards 2026, citing unresolved grievances with the Ministry of Sports.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kiarie confirmed that he was named among the award recipients but deliberately chose not to participate. He stated that he neither attended the event nor submitted his details after being requested to do so.

“Apparently, yesterday, I was included in the National Heroes Awards 2026. I did not attend the event and I did not submit my details after they requested,” Kiarie wrote.

The skater went on to level serious accusations against the Ministry of Sports, claiming that the ministry has made false statements regarding its support for his participation at the African Skate Games. He further alleged that funds sent to him through the federation have never reached him.

“The Ministry of Sports has made false claims of supporting my participation at the African Skate Games, and up to date, funds sent to me through the federation have never reached me,” he said.

Kiarie directed his remarks at Sports Cabinet Secretary Elijah Mwangi, urging him to do better. “@ElijahGMwangi you can do better,” he posted. At the African Skating Championship in Cairo, Egypt, where he clinched double gold.