By OUR CORRESPONDENT
The 14th Edition of the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary games witnessed a remarkable display of talent during the athletics competition this morning, with Kenya’s parliamentarians demonstrating remarkable resilience on home soil.
While Uganda topped the medal table with 9 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze medals, Kenya’s strong fighting spirit, saw her secure 3 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals to post an impressive finish in second place.
The host nation’s highlight came through Ruiru Legislator, Simon Kangara’s masterful performance in the men’s 1600m race walk, claiming gold with an impressive time of 9:42.6. Kingara who had trailed Uganda’s Ocan Patrick for most of the race, put a strong finish to beat Patrick to second place.
Though Kenya did not earn a top finish at the women’s walking race, the fans were greatly impressed by Senator Crystal Asige’s participation under the guidance of an aid. Later after the race, Asige who is visually impaired expressed optimism that the games would allow participation of legislators with disabilities in more disciplines in the future.
“I hope more PWDs participate in more activities in future other than just darts. Like I have done today, we can try different sports and do our best. Put your best foot forward as a leader so that others in future may say Asige did it, may be I can do it as well”, she asserted.
Kenya’s relay team also displayed exceptional teamwork in the 4x400m fun run relay, finishing strong with a time of 4:25.45.
Tanzania emerged as a formidable competitor, clinching third place with 2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze medals, highlighted buoyed by Hon. Anathropia Theonest’s victory in the women’s 800m finals. EALA secured fourth position with one silver medal, while Rwanda rounded out the medal table in fifth place with one bronze medal.
The competitive spirit at Mbaraki was evident across all events, from the intense 200m sprints to the strategic race walks. Kenya’s performances, particularly in the middle-distance events, signal growing strength in parliamentary athletics, suggesting a bright future for the host nation in upcoming regional competitions.
With the games set to continue in the next three days, Kenya’s athletes remain poised to add to their medal count, demonstrating that parliamentary sports in East Africa continue to foster regional integration through healthy competition.
