In a baffling twist of events, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and The Arts, Ababu Namwamba, has pulled off a theatrical act by revoking the establishment of the much-talked-about Talanta Hela Council and its accompanying Technical Committees.
With a stroke of his pen, Namwamba rendered obsolete the Gazette Notice No. 1649 of 2023 that brought the council and committees into existence. Cue the gasps of disbelief and bewildered faces in the talent-filled corridors!
The grand launch of the Talanta Hela Programme, which had been meticulously planned for this Friday at the Nairobi State House, seemed to hang in the balance.
However, it's worth noting that this development comes hot on the heels of the suspension of the program three weeks ago.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi of the High Court put the brakes on the program until a case filed by the ever-determined Charles Mugane is heard and determined.
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Apparently, Mugane found some legal and constitutional flaws in the program.
Let's not forget the star-studded cast that was appointed to the Talanta Hela Council and Technical Committees.
Under the leadership of the distinguished Ababu Namwamba, names like Dennis Itumbi, June Chepkemei, and Charles Gacheru graced the council's roster.
It was like assembling the Avengers of talent management, but alas, their time in the limelight has been cut short, at least for now.
The sports enthusiasts among us might have rejoiced at the news of media personality Carol Radull taking the helm of the Sports Technical Committee.
With former Harambee Stars players Sammy Sholei, Boniface Ambani, and javelin gold medallist Julius Yego as her teammates, the committee promised a show of talent like no other. But alas, the curtains have fallen, and the stage is empty.
As for the Creative Technical Committee, comedian Daniel Ndambuki popular by his moniker Churchill was set to lead the way.
Joined by a colourful ensemble including artiste Akinyi Odongo, media personality Jimmi Gathu, the ever-energetic Esther Akoth (Akothee), Azziad Nasenya, Wahu Kagwe, among othersthe committee was primed to be a comedic and artistic tour de force.
However, their artistic ambitions have been temporarily silenced, leaving us craving their creative genius.
While Namwamba had confidently declared that the show must go on, even after the High Court quashed the appointment of the committee members, it seems the script took an unexpected twist.
The anticipated launch, originally scheduled for June 2 with President William Ruto as the guest of honour, turned out to be nothing more than a cliffhanger. Talk about leaving the audience in suspense!
The Talanta Hela Programme, with its ambitious plans to nurture and monetize talent across various sports and creative sectors, now faces an uncertain future.
Will the talent trove be left to wither in the wings, or will a new act unfold in the days to come? Only time will tell.
