Kenya seeks glory in E Africa parliamentary games

Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu (left) contols the ball as Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro looks on during their parliamentary football match at Nyayo stadium on 31-07-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Kenyans are plotting a twin attack during this year's East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games that began yesterday in Mombasa.

The hosts will not only be chasing medals, but the overall title as well.

Former Boston Marathon champion, who is also the Cherangany MP Wesley Korir, will be leading Kenya's onslaught in the games.

The games started last evening and were preceded by a workshop at the Mombasa Technical Training Institute that touched on the importance of unity and cohesion among East African member states.

Kenya will play Uganda in a football duel today at Mbaraki Stadium. Burundi and defending champions East Africa Legislative Assembly (Eala) will also meet at the same venue.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are in Group A, while Rwanda, Burundi and Eala are in Group B.

Other than football, teams will also compete in athletics, tug of war, netball, volleyball, boxing and golf, in the one-week sports extravaganza.

Apart from Mbaraki Sports Club, teams will compete at Nyali Golf Club, Makande Gymnasium and Mombasa Sports Club.

Countries taking part in the games are Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the East Africa Legislative Assembly.

The steering committee in charge of the games was launched in June by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro.

"This follows a resolution by the Speakers Forum held in Arusha in May, 2016, where the hosting rights were formally handed over to the delegation from Kenya Parliament during that meeting."

"Subsequently, the Parliamentary Service Commission of Kenya chose Mombasa County as the host venue," said Ethuro.

The games, which began in 2009, are held every year.