Written by Dante Uzel on 21 February 2024 09:25
According to recent news by James Fudge The Editor of Esports Advocate the Kenyan Esports scene is going through tough times. The reports claim that the Esports Kenya Federation is preventing tournament organizers from creating events. Furthermore the reports claim that he organizers received death threats.
@NickKanungi shared the story on Twitter/X. He stated "The Kenya Professional Esports Federation (KPEF), has been engaged in legal proceedings at the Sports Tribunal against the Registrar of Sports and the Esports Kenya Federation as a second respondent, regarding the delayed issuance of our certificate. Regrettably, on account of this case, some of our KPEF officials have faced threats and intimidation, including death threats, indicating the severity of the situation. On February 6th, my mother received a distressing call from an unknown contact, threatening harm (death) if I did not withdraw this case. Following this, on February 7th, she received further threats via text messages, stating "Kifo hakina huruma" (death has no mercy). These threats are not only deeply alarming but also completely unacceptable. As a gamer, esports enthusiast, tournament organizer, and Team Owner dedicated to promoting and advancing esports in Kenya, I refuse to be intimidated into silence or inaction. I want to assure everyone including the gaming community that I am taking these threats seriously and am working closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety and security of all involved. In an isolated and different scenario, over the weekend of hosting the Gaming Impact Series, my business partners, SmartVR received a letter from the Esports Kenya Federation citing that they were "not registered as an esports tournament organizer".
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Regarding the cancellation of Gaming Impact Series, this letter was shared, "It has come to our attention that you are planning to host an esports tournament named Gaming Impact Grand Series on 11th February 2024. According to our records, you are not tournament organizer. Furthermore, you have federation in regards to the hosting of the said competition. We are therefore unable to guarantee the safety of the esports players, spectators and you as a company should the said tournament continue. We are also unable to verify the integrity of the competition. We regret to inform you that the tournament cannot proceed as planned as our competitions committee has taken the decision to cancel it."
Tags: Kenya