Nyambui says Sekilu is a liar

Dar es Salaam. Athletics Tanzania (AT) secretary general Suleiman Nyambui has branded middle distance runner, Jackline Sekilu, a liar after withdrawing from the 2014 Commonwealth Games team.

Sekilu, the winner of 2014 Kilimanjaro Marathon was picked in the team bound for a training camp in Ethiopia, but opted out, citing an injury as the main reason.

On Wednesday, the 28-year-old told The Citizen that she withdrew from the team owing to an injury she sustained after a car crash last Friday in Arusha and that she duly informed the athletics authority of her decision.

However, Nyambui, one of the finest runners during his heyday, hit back at her saying she has been dishing out excuses galore as the trip to Ethiopia approached.

“We all saw it coming because she has been giving out different excuses with an intention to skip the Ethiopia training; she should tell the public the truth…she is a liar,” said a visibly upset Nyambui. He disclosed: “Recently, she said she was fit for the Games, so she didn’t need to camp abroad, then she asked for permission to take care of her sick mother, but surprisingly, two days before the team’s departure, she said she had a car crash, which injured her leg, all these within a short time.” 

According to Nyambui, the half marathoner had secured a lucrative international race which coincides with her time at the national team camp. “We know what she is up to; she wants to compete in a well-paying international event, but she can’t be straight. We are after the interests of the nation, so we can’t take such excuses,” he stressed.

Nyambui said they have informed the government about Sekilu’s saga and that the latter has moved to withhold her passport until the end of the Commonwealth Games.