EAC Parliamentary Games: Kenya claims silver in basketball
Lang'ata MP Phelix Oduor in action against Uganda during their basketball match at the 14th Edition of the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa on December 16, 2024.
What you need to know:
- Kenya’s journey to the final included a walkover against South Sudan, followed by convincing victories over Tanzania (67-28) and Burundi (64-37).
- Uganda similarly benefited from a walkover against South Sudan and overcame Burundi 50-34.
Kenya settled for the silver medal on Monday after a narrow 53-52 loss to Uganda in a thrilling men’s basketball match at the 14th East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games (EAC-IPG) in Mombasa.
The competition, which concludes Tuesday, took place at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Indoor Arena in Makupa.
Uganda retained the title after a nail-biting finish, sparking jubilant celebrations from their fans and players, while the disappointed Kenyan supporters and parliamentarians were left scratching their heads.
Kenya entered the contest brimming with confidence after an impressive run that began on December 7, but Uganda proved a tough opponent to overcome.
The result gives Uganda a strong chance of being crowned overall champions of the competition, which features football, netball, volleyball, darts, and golf. The EAC-IPG aims to foster integration among parliamentarians from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Uganda edged Kenya by a slim 29-27 lead at halftime, having led the first two quarters by a single point – 14-13 and 15-14, respectively. Kenya came roaring back to claim the third quarter 15-14, but both sides settled for a 10-10 draw in a tense final quarter.
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli emerged as the top scorer for the match with 16 points.
“We have been defeated by one point, but the fans and our opponents have seen that we have the capability to shine. I want to assure you that next year we will defeat them,” said Wakoli.
Samburu North MP Eli Letipila, who contributed nine points, echoed Wakoli’s sentiments.
“We gave our best, but they have defeated us by one point. As you know, in any match there must be a winner and a loser. This year we had vowed to win, but some of our key players were sidelined with injuries. That is why they have defeated us,” said Letipila.
Uganda’s captain, Mwine Mpaka, praised his team’s determination in a challenging match.
“I commend my teammates for the way they put up a spirited fight to ensure we recapture our gold medal,” said Mpaka, who was his team’s top scorer with 12 points.
Samuel Njoroge, Clerk of the National Assembly of Kenya, highlighted the unifying power of sports.
“There is nothing that unites people better than sports, and when we see our parliamentarians from different countries drop their political and regional differences to play a game not to lose or win but to celebrate the EAC, it is the most refreshing thing. As the administration of Parliament, we did not know that our MPs are this good in sports because we only do politics,” said Njoroge.
Kenya’s journey to the final included a walkover against South Sudan, followed by convincing victories over Tanzania (67-28) and Burundi (64-37). Uganda similarly benefited from a walkover against South Sudan and overcame Burundi 50-34.
