Gusii leaders challenged to do more for region’s sports

Members of Parliament from Gusii region have been put under the spotlight for allegedly mismanaging the Sh2.5m from the CDF kitty that is meant for sports activities in the region.

During the ongoing December holiday the legislators organised tournaments across the region but are alleged to have been underfunded them despite a budgetary allocation from the national government.

In Nyaribari Chache the tournament involved boys only who took part in football and attracted thirty teams from various wards whereby the winners received Sh30,000, the second Sh25,000 and the rest Sh5, 000 each.

Speaking to Nation Sport on phone, area Member of Parliament Richard Tong’i said the event had been organised professionally despite the accusations that funds were embezzled.

“We had the best sports days where we bought uniforms for teams from the sub location level and every team that took part was given financial token of appreciation,” he said. “Remember the amount was about 1.6m whereby we ensured every procurement was done professionally,” he added.

Locals in Nyaribari Chache have questioned the spending and are accusing the MP of underfunding the tournament alongside ignoring other sports.

“It’s worrying that the MP involved a few people who are not even sports professionals to organise the tournament which later benefited their families only,” said Eric Bagwasi Mainya one of the locals.

In Bonchari, MP Oloo Oyioka awarded the winners of the Football Kenya Federation second division Two games where White heart FC who topped the league received Sh20, 000 and uniforms while second positioned bagged Sh15, 000 and uniforms.

Elsewhere in the Kitutu Chache South tournament more than 40 teams participated in an event that saw winning teams awarded Sh155, 000 while the second-placed teams got Sh85,000 and third-place finishers bagged Sh55, 000 with those in fourth getting Sh35,000.

“We are determined in ensuring sports funds are well utilised and benefit the targeted people,” said area MP Richard Onyonka after the finals.

He also urged his colleagues in Parliament to increase the sports allocation to Sh5m as the current Sh2m was minimal.