Kenya’s Vincent Musyoka Kawaya bagged gold and silver as track and field events kicked off at the 14th edition of the East Africa Parliamentary Games at KPA Mbaraki Sports Club.
Kawaya (12.0) clinched silver in the 100m, which was won by Uganda’s Bernard Odoi (12.2), while Patrick Ochan (12.6) settled for the silver.
Kawaya anchored Team Kenya to victory in the highly contested 4x100m relay. Kenya clocked 53.7 to win gold, beating the East Africa Legislative Assembly led by Kanini Kega to silver. EALA clocked 55.3 for second, while Uganda completed the podium finish in 56.5.
“The weather was perfect today, unlike the last two days when it was too hot. The early morning rains were a blessing,” said the MP.
In the women’s 100m, Kenya’s Catherine Omanyo (16.1) finished second in the race that was won by Joan Alobo (15.8) of Uganda, while Condesta Sichalwe (16.5) of Tanzania was third.
Uganda once again reigned supreme, winning gold in the women’s 4x100m. Uganda clocked 1:08.0 beating Tanzania (1:16.0) to second place, while Kenya (1.20.1) was third.
In the men’s 400m, Kenya’s Kitonga Mkinji (1:02.7) was beaten to a bronze medal. Uganda’s Robert Ssekiloko (1:01.3) won gold while compatriot Phillip Wokorach bagged silver in 1:02.7. Kenya’s other representative in the race Joshua Kandie (1:06.0) was fourth.
In the women’s category, Annatropia Theonest of Tanzania won the race in 1:23.9 and was trailed in second place by Maureen Osoro in 1:32.4. Susan Jolly was third in 1:38.8 with Kenya’s Dorice Donya settling for the fifth in 1:54.5.
Uganda continued with their dominance with Julius Achon winning the men’s 1,500m race.
Achon led from gun to tape to win in 5:23.0 and was followed by countrymate Robert Ssekiloko, who crossed the finish in 5:25.7. Kenya’s Titus Lotee was third in 5:33.9. Kenya’s Peter Salasya, Eric Mwangi, and John Paul came seventh, ninth, and 10th, respectively.
In the women’s category, Theonest of Tanzania triumphed. She won the race in 7:03.9 and was followed by Uganda’s Hellen Auma who clocked 7:27.0. Christine Akello was third in 7:31.0. Kenya’s Phyllis Bartoo and Susan Ngugi finished fifth and seventh, respectively.
Kenya’s Florence Jematia promised a better performance when the athletics programme resumes on Friday. “Expect more medals from Team Kenya on Friday,” said the Baringo Woman Representative.
