Chief Justice Martha Koome takes to the golf course to help fight against GBV

Chief Justice Martha Koome Golfing against Gender Based Violence during FIDA-Kenya Charity Golf Tournament at Royal Nairobi Golf Club as they celebrate International Day of The Girl Child and 37years of operation in Kenya. October 14, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Chief Justice Martha Koome and Nairobi City Women Representative Esther Passaris are among the high profile personalities who battled in the inaugural Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) Charity Golf Tournament held at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club yesterday.

Others who proved their mettle in the competition that attracted over 100 players across Kenya and Tanzania are Kenyan musician Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee.

Koome was hopeful to have a great time with her four ball on the course saying they came to support FIDA to be in a position to take care of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) victims.

"There are so many people, especially women who deserve legal representations, counselling, mediation and advice," Koome told Standard Sports.

"I hope this tournament is going to create more awareness so that FIDA can get the support needed to reach out to them."

Playing off handicap 32, Akothee who was hopeful to carry the day, said the event, whose theme was 'Golfing against GBV in Kenya' was a great inspiration to the girl child, especially those who deserve various legal representations.

Vipingo Ridge Golf Club's Esther Akoth Kokeyo Golfing against Gender Based Violence during FIDA-Kenya Charity Golf Tournament at Royal Nairobi Golf Club as they celebrate International Day of The Girl Child and 37years of operation in Kenya. October 14, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

"It is good to be here, it is good to see that women are now coming out to lift other women, especially on legal matters.

"I'm happy to support this cause," Akothee underlined.

Passaris was upbeat as she took to the course with hope to lower her recently achieved handicap which stands at 42.

"I hope to play well today, but my idea here is to support FIDA," she said.

"FIDA does a good job, they do a lot to protect women, children and men, we have always supported them through the National Government Affirmation Fund."

"FIDA is also very big on mediation which saves us from the lengthy court sessions, it is a good alternative in solving disputes," she added.

Nairobi County MP Esther Passaris Golfing against Gender Based Violence during FIDA-Kenya Charity Golf Tournament at Royal Nairobi Golf Club as they celebrate International Day of The Girl Child and 37years of operation in Kenya. October 14, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Passaris said she is optimistic that FIDA will be awarded a parcel of land to establish a rescue centre which she underlined was promised by President William Ruto when the latter was still the Deputy President of Kenya.

Handicap 30 player, Felistas Wanjiku had expected to give most players a run for their money on the course owing to her fitness level.

"I'm expecting to play well and at the same time support this cause which creates GBV awareness on women," Wanjiku underscored.

Richard Ngumeh, playing off handicap 16, was excited with the tournament saying it should be an annual event or even a series.

"My game is currently on another level, I hope I will land in the top three at the end of the day.

"I did practice rounds of golf in the course of the week, including hitting over 100 balls at the range, so I'm well prepared for the tournament," Ngumeh said.