Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said all members of Team Kenya who represented the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have returned home, amid reports that athletes from some participating countries remain unaccounted for after the competition.
Mvurya said the final batch of Kenyan athletes arrived on Wednesday morning, August 5, following the conclusion of the Games.
“With the arrival of the final batch of Team Kenya athletes from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, we have now successfully received all our athletes back home,” Mvurya said.
His statement comes amid reports that some athletes from other countries did not return home after the Games ended. The reports have focused on foreign athletes who remained in Scotland after the competition.
Mvurya said Kenya had accounted for its entire delegation and that all athletes had returned to the country.
The CS said the returning athletes had been accorded heroes' welcomes over the past few days in recognition of their performances and representation of the country.
“Over the past few days, our returning champions have been accorded a well-deserved heroes’ welcome in recognition of their outstanding performances and their exemplary representation of Kenya on the global stage,” he said.
The latest arrivals included Mathew Kipsang, who won gold in the men's 5,000m, Stephen Ndangiri, who claimed silver in the men's 10,000m race walk, and Wycliff Kinyamal, who secured bronze in the men's 800m.
The three were among 12 Kenyan medallists who helped Kenya register a strong showing at the Games.
“Today, we welcomed Mathew Kipsang, gold medalist in the men’s 5,000m, Stephen Ndangiri, silver medalist in the men’s 10,000m race walk, and Wycliff Kinyamal, bronze medalist in the men’s 800m,” he said.
The athletes were received by Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) chairperson George Kithi and representatives from the Ministry and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK).
Kenya's performance in Glasgow included several notable athletics results. The country's athletes featured prominently in the distance races, with Edmund Serem winning the men's 3,000m steeplechase in a Kenyan medal sweep.
Mvurya said the government would continue working to improve the welfare of athletes and create a supportive environment for those representing Kenya internationally.
“Your dedication, resilience and patriotism have brought honor to our country and we remain committed to supporting our athletes as they continue to excel on the international stage,” Mvurya stated.
The CS also hailed the coaches, technical and medical teams, and other officials who supported the team.
Reports of athletes from other countries remaining unaccounted for have renewed attention on the movement and welfare of competitors after international sporting events.
Police Scotland said it had received reports of several athletes who were "unaccounted for" following the Games, which concluded last Sunday.
Ugandan sports website NBS Sport reported that four members of Uganda's boxing team did not report for their flight home. The website also reported that a member of the team said the athletes intended to seek asylum in Scotland.
According to the BBC, Pakistan Today reported that boxer Qudratullah did not travel home with the rest of Pakistan's team and was not found in his room when officials went looking for him.
The BBC also reported that following previous Commonwealth Games, including the 2014 edition in Glasgow, dozens of athletes either sought asylum or disappeared after the competition.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for.
"Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office."
Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) chairperson
George Kithi
