Bunge FC, Kenya’s Parliament football team, has its eyes firmly set on the football title in this year’s East Africa Community Inter-Parliamentary Games (EAC-IPG), slated for December 6 to 18 in Mombasa County.
The competition, in its 14th edition, will feature six nations—Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and hosts Kenya—alongside the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), competing across multiple disciplines at venues including Shanzu Teachers Training College and Aga Khan Academy.
Football captain Otiende Omollo expressed confidence, highlighting the team’s rigorous preparations.
“We’ve been training three times a week at Ulinzi, the available ground, and the commitment from members has been remarkable. Hosting the games has worked to our advantage as players have been readily available,” he said.
Omollo noted that training alongside disciplined forces teams has sharpened their competitive edge. “We’re set for the games and confident we’ll lift the trophy. The host country plays first within the EA assembly, and we’re even exploring forming a combined team of ministers to enhance our chances,” he revealed.
Despite challenges, including the eligibility of players in past tournaments, Omollo maintained that Bunge FC will only field Members of Parliament.
“We’ve seen others bring in professionals to win at all costs, but we’ve remained strict on eligibility. History shows we’ve never fielded ineligible players,” he said, adding that the team plans to use FIFA-certified referees and linesmen for fairness.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula emphasised the games’ broader significance, stating, “Choosing Mombasa gives us an upper hand. These games are critical, not just for competition but for integrating our people.”
Last year’s edition in Kigali, Rwanda, drew praise for its organization and competitive spirit, and this year’s event is expected to attract over 1,500 legislators and assembly personnel to Mombasa.
“The essence of these interparliamentary games is unity. It’s about fostering stronger ties across the East African nations,” Wetangula concluded.