Murkomen, Joho Back Grassroots Sports at Cheraa Unity Cup

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Mining CS Hassan Joho on Saturday led calls for increased investment in grassroots sports during the inaugural Cheraa Unity Cup held in Cherang’any Sub-County under the OKM Foundation.

The two Cabinet Secretaries said Kenya has immense untapped talent that can only be nurtured through sustained community tournaments and youth engagement programmes.

“Every community has a star waiting to be discovered. Sports tournaments at the community level help to bring out these talents, promote cohesion, and steer the youth away from negative behaviours,” Murkomen said.

Joho praised Murkomen for championing the initiative, saying sports remains one of the most effective ways of empowering young people and creating opportunities.
“Football initiatives like the Cheraa Unity Cup help to steer youth away from alcohol and drug abuse,” said Joho.

The tournament featured men’s and women’s football and volleyball competitions, attracting huge crowds from across the region ahead of the finals played on Saturday.

The football final between Kapsara FC and Sibanga FC provided the day’s biggest highlight, with Sibanga FC emerging victorious after a dramatic extra-time win.

Among leaders who attended the event were Governor Wisely Rotich, Trans-Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula.

Also present were MPs Lillian Siyoi, Caroline Ng’elechei, Kakai Bisau, Robert Pukose, Nelson Koech, William Kamket, Rael Kasiwai, Timothy Toroitich and Japheth Nyakundi.
Former MPs Zipporah Kittony, Wesley Korir and Chris Wamalwa, alongside former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, also graced the event.